Medieval Glossary
Usury
Usury is the lending of money to a borrower and charging him or her interest. Early in the Middle Ages, the Church condemned usury, since interest was income that could be received without doing any work. Because of this, Jews typically became bankers. Later in the Middle Ages, however, the Church did not frown upon usury quite as much and so more Christians became bankers.
Related term(s): Doctrine; Dogma; Canon; Ecclesiastical
Category: Western Christianity
Added: 10.02.04
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