chout
English
editAlternative forms
editEtymology
editBorrowed from Marathi चौथ (cauth, “one quarter”).
Pronunciation
edit- Rhymes: -aʊt
Noun
editchout (plural chouts)
- (British India, historical) An assessment equal to a quarter of the revenue, levied by the Marathas from other Indian kingdoms as compensation for being exempted from plunder.
- 1817, James Mill, The History of British India:
- An officer , as collector of chout , was established on the part of the Peshwa , and another on the part of the Gaekwar princes , who , under the pretence of its affecting the revenues , and hence the Mahratta chout , interfered with every act of administration […]