[cheap] n [ME chep, fr. OE ceap trade; akin to OHG kouf trade; both fr. L caupo tradesman] (bef. 12c) obs: bargain -- on the cheap : at minimum expense: cheaply
[2]cheap adj (1509) 1 a: purchasable below the going price or the real value b: charging or obtainable at a low price c: depreciated in value (as by currency inflation) "~ dollars"
2: gained with little effort "a ~ victory" 3 a: of inferior quality or worth: tawdry, sleazy b: contemptible because of lack of any fine, lofty, or redeeming qualities c: stingy
4. a: yielding small satisfaction b: paying or able to pay less than going prices
5. of money: obtainable at a low rate of interest -- cheap adv -- cheap.ish adj -- cheap.ish.ly adv -- cheap.ly adv -- cheap.ness n