treasury

trea·sury

noun \ˈtre-zh(ə-)rē, ˈtrā-\

plural trea·sur·ies

Definition of TREASURY

1

a : a place in which stores of wealth are kept

b : the place of deposit and disbursement of collected funds; especially : one where public revenues are deposited, kept, and disbursed

c : funds kept in such a depository

2

obsolete : treasure

3

capitalized

a : a governmental department in charge of finances and especially the collection, management, and expenditure of public revenues

b : the building in which the business of such a governmental department is transacted

4

capitalized : a government security (as a note or bill) issued by the Treasury

5

: a repository for treasures <a treasury of poems>

Examples of TREASURY

1. A government official has been accused of stealing from the nation's treasury.
2. The fees are deposited into the state's treasury.
3. A part of the nation's treasury is spent on space exploration.
4. The author has collected a treasury of facts and lore about horses.

Origin of TREASURY

Middle English tresorie, from Anglo-French, from tresor treasure

First Known Use: 14th century