RENT

n. & v. --n. 1 a tenant's periodical payment to an owner or landlord for the use of land or premises. 2 payment for the use of a service, equipment, etc. --v. 1 tr. (often foll. by from) take, occupy, or use at a rent (rented a cottage from the local farmer). 2 tr. (often foll. by out) let or hire (a thing) for rent. 3 intr. (foll. by at) be let or hired out at a specified rate (the land rents at ø100 per month). øfor rent US available to be rented. rent-a- (in comb.) often joc. denoting availability for hire (rent-a-van; rent-a-crowd). rent-boy a young male prostitute. rent-free with exemption from rent. rent-roll the register of a landlord's lands etc. with the rents due from them; the sum of one's income from rent. [ME f. OF rente f. Rmc (as RENDER)]