poll tax

Noun

Synonyms: poll tax

WordNet 3.0

a tax of a fixed amount per person and payable as a requirement for the right to voteSynonyms: poll tax

Poll \Poll\, n. [Akin to LG. polle the head, the crest of a bird, the top of a tree, OD. pol, polle, Dan. puld the crown of a hat.]

1.The head; the back part of the head. "All flaxen was his poll." --Shak. [1913 Webster]

2.A number or aggregate of heads; a list or register of heads or individuals. [1913 Webster]

We are the greater poll, and in true fear They gave us our demands.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

The muster file, rotten and sound, upon my life, amounts not to fifteen thousand poll.— Shak.[1913 Webster]

3.Specifically, the register of the names of electors who may vote in an election. [1913 Webster]

4.The casting or recording of the votes of registered electors; as, the close of the poll. [1913 Webster]

All soldiers quartered in place are to remove . . . and not to return till one day after the poll is ended.— Blackstone.[1913 Webster]

5.pl. The place where the votes are cast or recorded; as, to go to the polls. [1913 Webster]

6.The broad end of a hammer; the but of an ax. [1913 Webster]

7.(Zool.) The European chub. See Pollard, 3 (a) . [1913 Webster]

Poll book, a register of persons entitled to vote at an election.

Poll evil (Far.), an inflammatory swelling or abscess on a horse's head, confined beneath the great ligament of the neck.

Poll pick (Mining), a pole having a heavy spike on the end, forming a kind of crowbar.

Poll tax, a tax levied by the head, or poll; a capitation tax. [1913 Webster]