Obs. [Etymol. obscure. Derivation from CAR or F. carre has been conjectured; cf. also OF. carron paving tile: was the impost originally levied to defray paving?] ‘A licence by the Lord Mayor of London to keep a cart’ (Wharton, Law Lex., 1860).
1720. Stow’s Surv. (ed. Strype, 1754), II. V. xviii. 389/1. If the yearly Rent of 17s. 4d. a piece be not paid to the said President and governors, the Caroon, that is, the License of such person so wanting or refusing shall be forthwith suspended.
1730–6. Bailey, Carroon, a Rent received for the Privilege of driving a car or cart in the city of London.
1800. Colquhoun, Comm. Thames, xi. 331. To regulate and control Carroons or privileged Carts.
1832. E. V. Williams, Executors & Adm., I. 531. A caroome, or a license by the Mayor of London to keep a cart.
