usurer Meaning, Definition & Usage

U"su*rer noun

Etymology

F. usurier, LL. usurarius. See Usury, and cf. Usurarious.

Definitions

1. One who lends money and takes interest for it; a money lender. Obs.

   If thou lend money to any of my people that is poor by thee, thou shalt not be to him as a usurer, neither shalt thou lay upon him usury. Ex. xxii. 25.

2. One who lends money at a rate of interest beyond that established by law; one who exacts an exorbitant rate of interest for the use of money.

   He was wont to call me usurer. Shak.