Note 15 — THE TALE OF ZAYN AL-ASNAM. (ARABIC.)

For this word, see vol. ix. 108. It is the origin of the Fr. “Douane” and the Italian “Dogana” through the Spanish Aduana (Ad-Díwán) and the Provençal “Doana.” Ménage derives it from the Gr. δοκάνη = a place where goods are received, and others from “Doge” (Dux) for whom a tax on merchandise was levied at Venice. Littré (s. v.) will not decide, but rightly inclines to the Oriental origin.