chievance

An unlawful bargain; trade in which money is extorted as discount.

Noun

  1. An unlawful bargain; trade in which money is extorted as discount.
    • There were good laws against usury, the bastard use of money; and against unlawful chievances and exchanges, which is bastard usury. - 1622, Francis, Lord Verulam, Viscount St. Alban [i.e. Francis Bacon], The Historie...

Origin

From Old French chevance (“property”), equivalent to chevisance, from chevir (“to accomplish”). See chevisance.

Forms

chievances