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

1archaic : interest2: the lending of money with an interest charge for its use ; especially : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates3: 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