Dictionary.net

two acts proposed in Parliament, April 16, 1767, at the instance of Charles Townshend, then Chancellor of the Exchequer. They were to go into effect November 20. They provided for the appointment of commissioners to enforce more effectually the laws of trade with the colonies; granted duties on glass, paper, colors and tea, and legalized writs of assistance. The revenue was to defray the charge of the administration of justice and support the civi1 government in the provinces. The people of Massachusetts opposed them by renewing their non-importation agreements.