A philologicall commentary, or, An illustration of the most obvious and useful words in the lavv with their distinctions and divers acceptations, as they are found as well in reports antient and modern as in records and memorials never printed : usefull for all young students of the law / by Edward Leigh ...

USURY.

Usury, Usura dicitur ab usu & aere, quasi usu ae∣ra,* 1.1 id est, usus aeris, & usura est commodum certum, quod propter usum rei mutuatae accipitur.

The Statute now in force enacted, Eliz. 13. c. 8.

• 1. It alloweth not usury but punisheth the excess* 1.2
• 2. The title of the act is an act against usury, how then is it for it?
• 3. It calleth usury a detestable fin, how then can it secure the conscience of any?

The Statute of II. the 8. punished all usury above ten in the hundred, with the forfeiture of treble value. See that of Ed. 6th.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Cook 5 Rep. Claytons Case.
• * 1.2

  The Statute 21 of K. Iames, c. 17. forbids taking above 8 in the, 100 that of Queen Eliz. above 10.