Lucre
/ˈluː.kər/noun
Money or profit, especially when regarded as sordid or gained in a dishonorable way.
Did you know?The phrase 'pecunia non olet', meaning 'money does not stink', reflects the ancient belief that wealth, even if ill-gotten, holds power and desirability.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
lucrum
“Profit or gain, often associated with financial success.”
Old French
Old French
lucre
“Profit, especially in a commercial or mercantile context.”
Middle English
Middle English
lucre
“Financial gain, often implying dishonor or greed.”
Modern English
English
lucre
“Monetary profit, typically with a negative connotation of being acquired dishonorably.”