USURY


Meaning of USURY in English

ˈyüzh(ə)rē, -ri noun

( -es )

Etymology: Middle English, from Medieval Latin usuria, from Latin usura use, interest, usury (from usus — past participle of uti to use — + -ura -ure) + -ia -y — more at use

1. archaic : a premium or increase paid or stipulated for a loan of money or goods : interest

thou shalt not lend upon usury to thy brother — Deut. 23:19 (Authorized Version)

2. : the lending out of money with an interest charge for its use : the taking or practice of taking interest

3. : an unconscionable or exorbitant rate or amount of interest ; specifically : interest in excess of a legal rate charged to a borrower for the use of money

Webster's New International English Dictionary.      Новый международный словарь английского языка Webster.