rack-rent

American  

[rak-rent] / ˈrækˌrɛnt /

noun

1. Also rack rent rent equal to or nearly equal to the full annual value of a property.

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verb (used with object)

1. to exact the highest possible rent for.

2. to demand rack-rent from.

rack-rent British  

noun

1. a high rent that annually equals or nearly equals the value of the property upon which it is charged

2. any extortionate rent

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verb

1. to charge an extortionate rent for (property, land, etc)

Other Word Forms

• rack-renter noun

Etymology

Origin of rack-rent

First recorded in 1600–10

Example Sentences

"It is a serious thing," said Oldacre, "for farmers at rack-rent to begin building houses for their poor; but I am against it, for the sake of the poor themselves."

From Project Gutenberg

Thus, how miserable is the condition of the peasants in Russia, of the Irish "rack-rent" tenants!

From Project Gutenberg

Rack-rent may be misery, but ejectment is ruin.”

From Project Gutenberg

A landlord who resided and did not oppress his tenantry, especially if he were affable, jovial, and hospitable, was generally the object of a clannish affection, though his mansion might be a “Castle Rack-rent” and his serious duties might be very indifferently performed.

From Project Gutenberg

Should Oxford to her sister Cambridge join A Year's Rack-rent, and Arbitrary fine: Thence not one winter's charge would be defray'd, For Playhouse, Opera, Ball, and Masquerade.

From Project Gutenberg