Main Entry: usu·ry

Pronunciation: \ˈyü-zhə-rē, ˈyüzh-rē\

Function: noun

Inflected Form(s): plural usu·ries

Etymology: Middle English usurie, from Anglo-French, from Medieval Latin usuria, alteration of Latin usura, from usus, past participle of uti to use

Date: 14th century

1 archaic : interest
2 : the lending of money with an interest charge for its use; especially : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates
3 : an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest; specifically : interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money