- subsidy
- late 14c., from Anglo-Fr. subsidie, from O.Fr. subside "help, aid, contribution," from L. subsidium "help, aid, assistance, (military) reinforcements," from sub "behind, near" + sedere "to sit" (see sedentary). Subsidize is from 1795. Originally of nations, "to buy neutrality or alliance." Meaning "to support by grants of money" is from 1828.