Usury

Definitions

1. An exorbitant rate of interest, in excess of any legal rates or at least immorally.
   countable
2. The practice of lending money at such rates.
   uncountable
3. The practice of lending money at interest.
   archaic, historical, uncountable
4. Profit.
   obsolete, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“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⟳.”

“Then will we march⟳ to all thoſe Indian Mines, My witleſſe brother to the Chriſtians loſt: And ranſome them with fame and vſurie.”

CEFR level