n.; pl. Subsidies [ L. subsidium the troops stationed in reserve in the third line of battlem reserve, support, help, fr. subsidere to sit down, lie in wait: cf. F. subside. See Subside. ] 1. Support; aid; cooperation; esp., extraordinary aid in money rendered to the sovereign or to a friendly power. [ 1913 Webster ]

They advised the king to send speedy aids, and with much alacrity granted a great rate of subsidy. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Subsidies were taxes, not immediately on on property, but on persons in respect of their reputed estates, after the nominal rate of 4s. the pound for lands, and 2s. 8d. for goods. Blackstone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Specifically: A sum of money paid by one sovereign or nation to another to purchase the cooperation or the neutrality of such sovereign or nation in war. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A grant from the government, from a municipal corporation, or the like, to a private person or company to assist the establishment or support of an enterprise deemed advantageous to the public; a subvention; as, a subsidy to the owners of a line of ocean steamships. [ 1913 Webster ]

Syn. -- Tribute; grant. -- Subsidy, Tribute. A subsidy is voluntary; a tribute is exacted. [ 1913 Webster ]