vigorish

vig·o·rish

 (vĭg′ər-ĭsh)

n. Slang

1. A fee charged for the placement of bets by an illegal gambling broker or establishment.

2. Frequent and excessive interest payments charged by an illegal moneylender.

3. The payment of such fees or interest.

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[Yiddish slang, from Russian vyigrysh, winnings : vy-, out; see ud- in Indo-European roots + igrat', to play.]

vigorish

(ˈvɪɡərɪʃ)

n

(Banking & Finance) high interest paid to a money lender

vig•or•ish

(ˈvɪg ər ɪʃ)

n. Slang.

1. a charge paid on a bet, as to a bookie.

2. interest paid to a moneylender, esp. a usurer.

[1910–15, perhaps < Ukrainian výgrash or Russian výigrysh winnings, profit]

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	vigorish - an exorbitant or unlawful rate of interest usury interest rate, rate of interest - the percentage of a sum of money charged for its use
	2.	vigorish - a percentage (of winnings or loot or profit) taken by an operator or gangster rake-off cut - a share of the profits; "everyone got a cut of the earnings"