[G., f. zoll tax, impost, TOLL sb.1 + verein union.] A union, orig. between certain states of the German empire, afterwards in 1833 including all the states, for the maintenance of a uniform rate of customs duties from other countries and of free trade among themselves; hence gen. of other countries. Hence Zollvereinist, an advocate of a British imperial zollverein.
1843. Times, 21 Aug., 5/2. The Zollverein.—The Bavarian Chamber of Deputies … voted by an immense majority the two following resolutions.
1847. Cobden, in Morley, Life (1881), I. xviii. 448. The Prussian law of 1818, and the tariff which followed it, for the foundation of the German Zollverein.
1862. (title) London Exhibition. Special Catalogue of the Zollverein-Department edited by authority of the Commissioners of the Zollverein-Governments.
1893. Goldw. Smith, Ess. Quest. Day, 150. When colonists propose an Imperial zollverein.
