usury

Definition

An exorbitant rate of interest, in excess of any legal rates or at least immorally.

Etymology

From Middle English usurie, from Latin ūsūria, from ūsūra (“lending at interest, usury”) from ūsus (“use”), from stem of ūtī (“to use”). Compare usurp and use.

Example Sentences

• "As a practical matter, California usury laws do not seriously inconvenience most lenders, and offer little protection to most borrowers."
• "In medieval Europe, Jews were often linked to usury and therefore persecuted by authorities."
• "The most hated sort, and with the greatest reason, is usury, which makes a gain out of money itself, and not from the natural object of it. For money was intended to be used in exchange, but not to increase at interest."

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