Definitions for: Avarice


[n] reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth (personified as one of the deadly sins)
[n] extreme greed for material wealth



Webster (1913) Definition: Av"a*rice ([a^]v"[.a]*r[i^]s), n. [F. avaritia, fr.
avarus avaricious, prob. fr. av[=e]re to covet, fr. a root av
to satiate one's self: cf. Gr. 'a`menai, 'a^sai, to satiate,
Skr. av to satiate one's self, rejoice, protect.]
1. An excessive or inordinate desire of gain; greediness
after wealth; covetousness; cupidity.

To desire money for its own sake, and in order to
hoard it up, is avarice. --Beattie.

2. An inordinate desire for some supposed good.

All are taught an avarice of praise. --Goldsmith.

Synonyms: avariciousness, avaritia, covetousness, covetousness, cupidity, greed, rapacity

See Also: deadly sin, greed, mortal sin

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