Centesima
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary · Alexander M. Burrill · 1850
A New Law Dictionary and Glossary
Lat. [from centum, a hundred.] In the Roman law. One per cent, monthly, or twelve per cent, per annum. In calculating the rate of interest, the Romans divided the principal sum into an hundred parts, one of which they allowed to be taken monthly; and this, which was the highest rate of interest permitted, they called usurae centesimae, amounting yearly to twelve per cent.
2 Bl. Com. 462, note (m).