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