n. (pl. -ies) 1 a money granted by the State or a public body etc. to keep down the price of commodities etc. (housing subsidy). b money granted to a charity or other undertaking held to be in the public interest. c any grant or contribution of money. 2 money paid by one State to another in return for military, naval, or other aid. 3 hist. a a parliamentary grant to the sovereign for State needs. b a tax levied on a particular occasion.
[ ME f. AF subsidie, OF subside f. L subsidium assistance ]