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douane

customs (border control)

noun doo-AHN Rare

Usage Note

Douane refers to the customs authority at borders — passer la douane means 'to go through customs'. A customs officer is a douanier/douanière. The word entered French from Italian dogana, itself from Arabic diwan (a register or council), reflecting medieval Mediterranean trade networks.

Examples

"Ils ont déclaré leurs achats à la douane."

Natural Translation

They declared their purchases at customs.

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