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