In inland duty or impost operating as an indirect tax on
   the consumer, levied upon certain specified articles, as, tobacco, ale,
   spirits, etc., grown or manufactured in the country. It is also levied
   to pursue certain trades and deal in certain commodities. Certain
   direct taxes (as, in England, those on carriages, servants, plate,
   armorial bearings, etc.), are included in the excise. Often used
   adjectively; as, excise duties; excise law; excise system.