The provided materials focus exclusively on the definition, etymology, and usage of the English word "custom." They do not contain any information about gemstones, birthstones, gemological properties, mining locations, historical use of specific gems, or metaphysical beliefs. Therefore, it is impossible to write a 2000-word article about a gemstone based on these sources.
Below is a summary of the information available from the provided sources regarding the term "custom."
Definition and Meaning
The sources define "custom" primarily as a noun with several related meanings: * An accepted way of behaving or doing things in a society or community (e.g., "a local custom," "an ancient custom"). * A habitual practice or typical mode of behavior for an individual (e.g., "it was his custom to rest each afternoon"). * In a legal context, a practice that, through long-established usage, has come to have the force of law. * In commerce, the patronage of customers (e.g., "to get somebody’s custom") or the customers of a business collectively.
Etymology
The word originates from Middle English custume, derived from Anglo-French and Old French costume. These trace back to Vulgar Latin consuētūdinem, an alteration of Latin consuētūdō, meaning "habit, practice, tradition." This is related to consuētus ("accustomed"), from the verb consuēscere ("to accustom oneself").
Usage and Context
The sources provide examples of "custom" used in various contexts: * Social and Cultural: "According to custom, one son inherited all the family property," "the custom of giving presents at Christmas," and "widows observed the custom of wearing black." * Legal/Procedural: "The rules have grown up through custom and are not laid down by law." * Commercial: "We get a lot of custom from tourists." * Governmental: "Customs and Excise Department," "to go through customs."
Related Terms and Synonyms
The materials distinguish "custom" from similar terms: * Habit: Applied particularly to an individual, implying a repetition that becomes a natural, spontaneous tendency (e.g., "He has an annoying habit of interrupting"). * Practice: Applies to a regularly followed procedure or pattern in conducting activities (e.g., "It is his practice to verify all statements").
Conclusion
The provided sources offer a comprehensive linguistic and definitional analysis of the word "custom," covering its social, legal, commercial, and individual behavioral aspects. However, they contain no data related to gemstones or the "Birthstones" project. A detailed article on a specific gemstone cannot be generated from this information.