Main Entry: sub·si·dy

Pronunciation: \ˈsəb-sə-dē, -zə-\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural sub·si·dies

Etymology: Middle English subsidie, from Anglo-French, from Latin subsidium reserve troops, support, assistance, from sub- near + sedēre to sit — more at sub-, sit

Date: 14th century

: a grant or gift of money: as a : a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by special taxation b : money granted by one state to another c : a grant by a government to a private person or company to assist an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public