\Zoll"ve*rein`\, n. [G., from zoll duty + verein
union.]
Literally, a customs union; specifically, applied to the
several customs unions successively formed under the
leadership of Prussia among certain German states for
establishing liberty of commerce among themselves and common
tariff on imports, exports, and transit.
Note: In 1834 a zollverein was established which included
      most of the principal German states except Austria.
      This was terminated by the events of 1866, and in 1867
      a more closely organized union was formed, the
      administration of which was ultimately merged in that
      of the new German empire, with which it nearly
      corresponds territorially.