usu·ri·ous \yüˈzhu̇rēəs\adjective Etymology:usury + -ous 1.: practicing usury : taking illegal or exorbitant interest for the use of money < a usurious old pawnbroker > 2.: involving usury : of the character of usury < a usurious rate of interest > • usu·ri·ous·lyadverb • usu·ri·ous·nessnoun-es