Barter
/ˈbɑːr.tər/noun
To exchange goods or services directly for other goods or services without using money.
Did you know?Barter entered English in the 15th century and its exact origin is uncertain, but it likely arose in commercial slang tied to swapping and cheating in trade rather than any noble marketplace tradition.
Etymological Timeline
15th Century
English
barter
“to trade or exchange goods directly”
Middle English
English
barteren
“to trade, haggle, or deal”
Uncertain source
Unknown
?
“likely from a commercial or cant term connected with swapping or cheating in trade”
Modern English
English
barter
“the exchange of goods and services without money”
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