Av"a*rice (?), n. [F. avaritia, fr. avarus avaricious, prob. fr. avre to covert, fr. a root av to satiate one's self: cf. Gr. , , to satiate, Skr. av to satiate one's self, rejoice, protect.]
1.
An excessive or inordinate desire of gain; greediness after wealth; covetousness; cupidity.
To desire money for its own sake, and in order to hoard it up, is avarice.
Beattie.
2.
An inordinate desire for some supposed good.
All are taught an avarice of praise.
Goldsmith.
© Webster 1913.