chevisance

noun

chev·​i·​sance

ˈshevəsən(t)s,

-zən-

plural -s

1

archaic : undertaking, enterprise

especially : chivalrous enterprise or prowess : chivalry

2

: an unlawful transaction or contract

especially : a transaction intended to evade the statutes against usury

Word History

Etymology

Middle English chevisaunce achievement, resource, supply, booty (whence by misunderstanding the meaning "enterprise"), from Middle French chevisance, from Old French, from chevir to come to an end, perform, from chief head

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