Definition of usury
usuries
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
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Origin and Etymology 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
Other Economics Terms
USURY Defined for English Language Learners
usury
playDefinition of usury for English Language Learners
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: the practice of lending money and requiring the borrower to pay a high amount of interest
Law Dictionary
usury
playLegal Definition of usury
1 : the lending of money at exorbitant interest rates; specifically : the crime of charging or contracting to charge an unlawfully high rate of interest
2 : a rate or amount of interest charged in usury — compare legal interest at interest 5
Origin and Etymology of usury
Medieval Latin usuria interest, lending at exorbitant interest, alteration of Latin usura use, interest (i.e., sum paid for use of money), from usus use
Learn More about usury
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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about usury
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