contraband

Etymology

From Spanish contrabanda (modern spelling contrabando), from Italian contrabando (modern spelling contrabbando), from contra (“against”) + bando (“ban”), and reinforced by French contrebande.

noun

1. (uncountable) Any goods which are illicit or illegal to possess.
2. (uncountable) Goods which are prohibited from being traded, smuggled goods.
3. (countable, US, historical) A black slave during the American Civil War who had escaped to, or been captured by, Union forces.
   While some Yanks treated contrabands with a degree of equity or benevolence, the more typical response was indifference, contempt, or cruelty. 1988, James McPherson, Battle Cry of Freedom, Oxford, published 2003, page 497

adj

1. Prohibited from being traded.
   … when the seizure is made in connection with a violation involving a contraband article covered by section 1 (b) (1) of the said Act; … 1940, The Code of Federal Regulations of the United States of America: Having ... – Division of the Federal Register, the National Archives – Page 2191
   The exclusion of mandatory payment of moieties for seizures of contraband controlled substances is accomplished through Section 17 of the bill, … 1953, United States, United States. President, United States. Congress – United States Code Congressional and Administrative News – Page 2039
   4. Contraband goods may be seized if found in a river before they are landed or offered for sale. 1899, Albert William Chaster, The Powers, Duties and Liabilities of Executive Officers as Between These ... – Stevens and Haynes – Page 55

verb

1. (obsolete) To import illegally; to smuggle.
2. (obsolete) To declare prohibited; to forbid.