1. 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 {pound}100 per month).
Phrases and idioms:
for 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.
Etymology: ME f. OF rente f. Rmc (as RENDER) 2. n.1 a large tear in a garment etc.
2 an opening in clouds etc.
3 a cleft, fissure, or gorge.
Etymology: obs. rent var. of REND 3. past and past part. of REND.