Definition of "chevisance" in English

noun

1. (obsolete) Provision(s), supply.

   • There was then neither such number of Altars, nor such chueisance of Masses, as hath beene sithence.
   • The store-house of Sunnes cheuisance... Oceanus.

2. (obsolete) Booty.

   • When we with Magnyfycence goodys made chevysaunce.
   • make what cheuysaunce they lusted.

3. (obsolete) Remedy, resource, expedient, means of helping oneself.

   • Violated by Leger du main, or chevisance of wit.

4. (obsolete, chiefly derogatory) The raising of money (by a borrower, by some expedient).

   • If he shame to begge […] Then turneth he to fraude and crafty cheuesaunce, Of all men borowing on suertie, othe or seale.
   • […] or any other predatory art or cheuisance.

5. (obsolete, often derogatory) The furnishing of money (by a lender) for profit.

   • It is held to be simonie, and corrupt cheuisance, if any valuance consideration be giuen in such regard […]

6. (obsolete) A contract or agreement (about a matter in dispute, such as a debt); in particular, an unlawful contract intended to evade laws against usury.

7. (obsolete) Chivalrous adventure.

   • Ah! be it not pardie declared in France, / Or elsewhere told where court'sy is in prize, // That we forsook so fair a chevisance, / For doubt or fear that might from fight arise.