hire-purchase system

[ hahyuhr-pur-chuhs ]

noun

, British.

1. a system of payment for a commodity in regular installments while using it.

Word History and Origins

Origin of hire-purchase system¹

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

Many undertakers carry out wiring on the easy payment or hire-purchase system.

From Project Gutenberg

X 31, a woman, has obtained jewellery on the hire-purchase system.

From Project Gutenberg

If this is the "hire-purchase system," a piano-less life is infinitely preferable to braving its manifold perils and penalties.

From Project Gutenberg