- barter
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—barterer, n./bahr"teuhr/, v.i.1. to trade by exchange of commodities rather than by the use of money.v.t.2. to exchange in trade, as one commodity for another; trade.3. to bargain away unwisely or dishonorably (usually fol. by away): bartering away his pride for material gain.n.4. the act or practice of bartering.5. items or an item for bartering: We arrived with new barter for the villagers.[1400-50; late ME, appar. < AF, OF bareter, barater (see BARRATOR), with shift of sense]
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Direct exchange of goods or services without the use of money or any other intervening medium of exchange.Barter is conducted either according to established rates of exchange or by bargaining. Barter is common among preliterate societies, particularly in those communities with some developed form of market. Goods may be bartered within a group as well as between groups, although gift exchange probably accounts for most intragroup trade, particularly in small and relatively simple societies. See also currency.* * *
▪ tradethe direct exchange of goods or services—without an intervening medium of exchange or money—either according to established rates of exchange or by bargaining. It is considered the oldest form of commerce. Barter is common among traditional societies, particularly in those communities with some developed form of market. Goods may be bartered within a group as well as between groups, although gift exchange probably accounts for most intragroup trade, particularly in small and relatively simple societies. Where barter and gift exchange coexist, the simple barter of ordinary household items or food is distinguished from ceremonial exchange (such as a potlatch), which serves purposes other than purely economic ones.* * *
Universalium. 2010.
