To behave like an innkeeper or merchant; to cheat or adulterate goods in the manner stereotypical of dishonest innkeepers.
From 'caupo' plus the English suffix '-ize', meaning to make or become. The term carries the derogatory connotation that developed around Roman innkeepers' reputation for fraud.
Language captures cultural prejudices: 'cauponize' literally means to cheat like an innkeeper because Romans had such strong negative stereotypes about innkeepers that the practice became synonymous with their profession.
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