contraband

noun

1. (uncountable, usually)Any goods which are illicit or illegal to possess.
2. (uncountable, usually)Goods which are prohibited from being traded, smuggled goods.
3. (US, countable, historical, usually)A black slave during the American Civil War who had escaped to, or been captured by, Union forces.

   “While some Yanks treated contrabands with a degree of equity or benevolence, the more typical response was indifference, contempt, or cruelty.”

adj

1. Prohibited from being traded.

   “… when the seizure is made in connection with a violation involving a contraband article covered by section 1 (b) (1) of the said Act; …”

   “The exclusion of mandatory payment of moieties for seizures of contraband controlled substances is accomplished through Section 17 of the bill, …”

   “4. Contraband goods may be seized if found in a river before they are landed or offered for sale.”

verb

1. (obsolete)To import illegally; to smuggle.

   “there are also searched for concealed Slaves, and goods contrabanded”

2. (obsolete)To declare prohibited; to forbid.

   “The law severely contrabands / Our taking business off men's hands.”