usury

usu·ry

noun \ˈyü-zhə-rē, ˈyüzh-rē\

plural usu·ries

Definition of USURY

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

Origin of USURY

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

First Known Use: 14th century

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