GABEL, (Gabella, Gabulum, Gablagium), in French Gabelle, i. e. Vettigal, hath the same signification among the ancient English writers, that gabelle hath in France. It is a tax; but hath been variously used, as for a rent, custom, service, &c. And where it was a payment of rent, those who payed it were termed gabelatores. When the word gabel was formerly mentioned without any addition to it, it signified the tax on salt, though afterwards it was applied to all other taxes.