/yooh"sij, -zij/ , n.
1. a customary way of doing something; a custom or practice: the usages of the last 50 years.
2. the customary manner in which a language or a form of a language is spoken or written: English usage; a grammar based on usage rather than on arbitrary notions of correctness.
3. a particular instance of this: a usage borrowed from French.
4. any manner of doing or handling something; treatment: rough usage.
5. habitual or customary use; long-continued practice: immemorial usage.
6. an act of using or employing; use.
[ 1250-1300; ME usaticum, equiv. to L us ( us ) (see USE) + -aticum -AGE ]
Syn. 1. tradition, habit, convention.
Usage . The nouns USAGE and USE are related in origin and meaning and to some extent overlap in their use. USAGE usually refers to habitual or customary practices or procedures: Some usages of the Anglican Church are similar to those of the Roman Catholic Church. It is also commonly used in reference to language practices: English usage is divided in the pronunciation of aunt. USE refers to the act of using or employing (something): She put her extra money to good use. Perhaps in the belief that it is the more impressive term, USAGE is sometimes used where USE would be more natural: Has your usage of a personal computer made the work any easier?