- finance (n.)
- c.1400, "an end," from M.Fr. finance "ending, settlement of a debt," from M.L. finis "a payment in settlement, fine or tax," from L. finis "end" (see finish). The notion is of "ending" (by satisfying) something that is due (cf. Gk. telos "end;" pl. tele "services due, dues exacted by the state, financial means." See also fine (n.)). The French senses gradually were brought into English: "ransom" (mid-15c.), "taxation" (late 15c.); the sense of "manage money" first recorded in English 1770. The verb, in the capital sense, is recorded from 1827. Related: Financed; financing.