TAXONOMY, n. The science of naming and classifying revenue instruments. (Formerly, the science of naming and classifying living creatures, but this meaning is dying out, as are the creatures.) Type categories include income, excise, sales, property, customs, business, airport, stamp, corporate, inheritance, capital gains, freight, luxury, poll, restaurant, Social Security, entertainment, birth, death and forthehellofit - also, tariffs, tolls, and the lotteries. Habitat categories include international, national, state, province, region, district, county, parish, city, borough, town, village, community, school, council, board, committee, and anyone powerful enough to assert her will. Application categories include all except the wealthy, who escape if they sufficiently enrich accountants, lawyers and politicians, and the very poor, who may be spared the worst depredations if they sufficiently enrich their advocates. Practiced by the IRS and other white-collar criminals, with or without the recommended special training.

  - O Ceallaigh

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