ˈsəbsədē, -di also ˈsəbzə- noun
( -es )
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English subsidie, from Latin subsidium army reserve, support, help, from subsidere to settle down, subside — more at subside
1. archaic : something intended to aid, support, or comfort
2. : a grant or gift of money or other property made by way of financial aid: as
a. : a sum of money formerly granted by the British Parliament to the crown and raised by extraordinary or special taxation in distinction from the proceeds of the customs or other taxes levied by royal prerogative
b. : money or other support exacted by a ruler usually for a special purpose or occasion
c. : money granted by one state to another (as to a friendly power to aid in the prosecution of a war)
d. : a grant of funds or property from a government (as of the state or a municipal corporation) to a private person or company to assist in the establishment or support of an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public either as a simple gift or a payment of an amount in excess of the usual charges for a service (as in carrying the mails) or funds to aid in establishing or maintaining a service or equipment larger or more powerful than the state of trade would warrant (as for the building and keeping in service of ships designed for use as cruisers and auxiliaries in war) ; broadly : an entire payment from a government for services (as for carrying mail) which includes both compensation for actual services and a subsidy proper