tide waiter
A 'tide waiter' was a historical role crucial for ensuring customs duties were paid on goods arriving by sea.
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Definition
C1Historical Customs
(historical, formal)A customs inspector at a seaport who oversaw the landing of goods from merchant ships to ensure the payment of duties.
Example
- The tide waiter boarded the ship at high tide to inspect the cargo.
- In the 18th century, being a tide waiter was a significant position in the customs service.
C2Public Opinion
(informal)A person who observes public opinion before expressing their own views.
Example
- He was known as a tide waiter, always gauging the room before stating his position.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "tide waiter":
tide dialtide gatetide milltide overhigh tideflood tidetidal wavelow tide