capitation
(kæpɪˈteɪʃən)
[ad. L. capitātiōn-em (sense 2), f. caput, capit- head, having the form of noun of action from a vb.: see prec. and -ation.]
1. The counting of heads or persons.
| 1614 Raleigh Hist. World ii. 418 This law of capitation. 1646 Sir T. Browne Pseud. Ep. 360 For not performing the commandement of God concerning capitation. |
2. a. The levying of a tax or charge by the head,
i.e. upon each person.
b. A tax or fee paid for each head; a poll tax.
c. A payment or fee of so much per head from pupils, etc.
| 1641 Ewes (title), Speech, touching the Bill of a Capitation or Poll-money. 1696 Luttrell Brief Rel. (1857) IV. 156 To make the whole capitation about 5 millions. 1745 Fielding True Patr. Wks. 1775 IX. 317 Demanding two millions, to be immediately raised by capitation. 1796 Morse Amer. Geog. II. 281 According to the last capitation, there were 166,871 Jews in Poland..who paid the tax. Ibid. 463 All other religions are..included in this system of toleration, on paying a certain capitation. Mod. The Head Master's salary, paid partly by a capitation on each pupil. |
3. attrib. and
Comb., as
capitation-consumption,
capitation-tax; also
† capitation-drugget,
stuff, etc. (see
quots.);
capitation grant, a grant of a certain sum for every person who fulfils certain conditions, as to a school for scholars who pass a test examination, to volunteers, etc.
| 1886 Pall Mall G. 19 Oct., We find..the average *capitation consumption of tobacco about 8 lb. 3 oz. |
| 1690 B. E. Dict. Cant. Crew, *Capitation-Drugget, a Cheap, Slight Stuff, called so from the Tax of that Name. |
| 1862 Sat. Rev. 15 Mar., It would be quite possible to merge several of the existing grants [for education] into a single *capitation grant. |
| 1704 Lond. Gaz. No. 4031/4 Some Druggets, *Capitation Stuffs, and Shalloons. |
| 1776 Adam Smith W.N. (1869) II. v. ii. 466 *Capitation taxes are levied at little expense. 1844 H. H. Wilson Brit. India I. 112 A capitation tax upon pilgrims to the temple of Jagannath. |
| 1701 Lond. Gaz. No. 3740/4 An Olive *Capitation Wastcoat. |