hoppo

/ˈhɒpəʊ/

Etymology

Uncertain, although probably an irregular romanization of the Mandarin pronunciation of Chinese 戶部 /户部 (Hùbù), the imperial government's Board of Revenue which oversaw customs and other taxation during the Qing Dynasty. In reference to its agents, a clipping of earlier hoppo-man.

noun

  1. The imperial Chinese board of revenue, especially its branch in Guangzhou during the Qing Dynasty.“On the way two Chinese buildings were pointed out to us as hoppo, of custom-houses, at both which all boats […] are obliged to stop and undergo a strict search or examination by a petty mandarin.”
  2. An imperial Chinese customs officer, especially (sometimes capitalized) the chief customs officer for the South China Sea based in Guangzhou during the Qing Dynasty.“The Hoppos, who look on Europe Ships as a great branch of their Profits, will give you all the fair Words imaginable.”

name

  1. Synonym of Hepu: the Cantonese-derived name.