ˈsʌbsɪdɪ n. (pl. -ies) 1 a
money granted by
the State or a
public body etc. to
keep down the
price of commodities etc. (housing subsidy). b money granted to a
charity or
other undertaking held to be in the public
interest. c
any grant or
contribution of money. 2 money
paid by
one State to
another in
return for military,
naval, or other
aid. 3
hist. a a
parliamentary grant to the
sovereign for State
needs. b a
tax levied on a
particular occasion. [ME f. AF subsidie, OF
subside f. L subsidium assistance]