A premium; (in early use especially) an insurance premium.
Now chieflyhistorical except (in non-naturalized use) in the proper names of prizes and awards in Spanish and Italian..
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Gerard de Malynes (fl. 1585–1641), merchant and writer on economics. Partly from Spanish premio, and partly from Italian premio, both from classical Latin praemium. Compare Portuguese prêmio.