noun. A customs officer who boards incoming ships at a harbor.

noun. One of a class of custom-house officers whose business it is to await the arrival of ships, and to see that while in port the customs regulations as to the landing and shipping of goods are observed, and the revenue laws are not violated.

noun. A customhouse officer who watches the landing of goods from merchant vessels, in order to secure payment of duties.

noun. A customs officer who oversees the landing of goods from merchant vessels in order to secure payment of duties.

"'tidewaiter'; and, as we know, the greatest poet of the day could only be rewarded by making him an exciseman."