Webster's English Dictionary

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contraband

con.tra.band \'ka:n-tr*-.band\ n [It contrabbando, fr. ML contrabannum, fr. 
   contra- + bannu]s, bannum decree, of Gmc origin 1: illegal or prohibited 
   traffic  2: goods or merchandise whose importation, exportation, or 
   possession is fo rbidden; also : smuggled goods 3: a Negro slave who during 
   the Civil War escaped to or was brought within  the Union lines - 
   contraband aj