| 释义 |
avarice|ˈævərɪs|
Forms: 3–4 auaris, -ise, 4–5 averyce, -ys, 4–6 -ice, avaryce, 4– avarice. Sc. 5 awarys, awerys, 6 auereis.
[a. OF. avarice, ad. L. avāritia, f. avārus greedy: see -ice1.]
Inordinate desire of acquiring and hoarding wealth; greediness of gain, cupidity.
a1300Cursor M. 10112 Þe world has tuynne to his ascyse, Þat es auaris, and couaytise. c1386Chaucer Pars. T. ⁋671 Coveitise is for to coveit swiche thinges as thou hast not; and avarice is to witholde and kepe swiche thinges as thou hast, without rightful nede. c1425Wyntoun Cron. vi. xx. 28 Pryd, Falshud, and Covatys He held at wndyr, and Awarys. 1549Compl. Scotl. (1872) 64 Quhou kyng midas gat tua asse luggis on his hede, be cause of his auereis. 1643Sir T. Browne Relig. Med. ii. §13 To me avarice seems not so much a vice, as a deplorable piece of madnesse. 1766Goldsm. Vic. W. (1876) 159 Avarice was his prevailing passion. 1812Combe (Dr. Syntax) Pictur. x. 36 Pale av'rice may his heart possess, The bane of human happiness.
b. fig. Eager desire to get or keep for oneself.
c1386Chaucer Pars. T. ⁋670 Avarice ne stont not oonly in lond ne in catel, but som tyme in science and in glorie. 1709Pope Ess. Crit. 579 Be niggards of advice, on no pretense; For the worst avarice is that of sense. 1764Goldsm. Trav. 264 And all are taught an avarice of praise. 1775Burke Sp. Conc. Amer. Wks. 1842 I. 189 This avarice of desolation, this hoarding of a royal wilderness. |