So I've been buying a fair amount lately from ebay.co.uk. (long story short: I have an unusual bra size which seems to be not that unusual in England. Over here if I can even find a bra, it's both hideous and hideously expensive. Including international shipping, I can get bras I like from ebay.co.uk -- new of course -- for about half the cost.)
Most of the orders come with a note that says "Thank you for your custom." Can anyone explain this term to me? I don't mean define it; it's obvious from context that it means "thank you for your order." But the term "custom" eludes me. Is it related to the "customs" that the order has to pass through when it's shipped to the US?
I'm pretty sure it's related to "customer" . . .
Yes--custom is what a customer gives.
Oh. Duh!
I don't know how the usage evolved, but one of the dictionary meanings of "custom" is "habitual patronage." I've heard "Thank you for your custom" occasionally in this country, and it always sounds quaint, but the term "customer" which is obviously related, is very common.
Now there's an idea! I usually order my unusual size from Figleaves.com or barenecessities.com
I think our unusual size is similar, if not the same. England must be full of women with small ribcages and huge boobs. My favorite brand over there is Freya.