Avarice: Inordinate desire of acquiring and hoarding wealth; greediness
of gain, cupidity.
Examples:
C. 1386 Chaucer Pers. T. 671 Coveitise is for to coveit swiche thinges
as thou hast not; and avarice is to witholde and kepe swiche
thinges as thou hast, without rightful
nede.
C. 1425 Wyntoun Cron. vi. xx. 28 Pryd, Falshud, and Covatys He held at wndyr, and Awarys.
1549 Compl. Scotl. (1872) 64 Quhou kyng midas gat tua asse luggis on his hede, be cause of his auereis.
1643 Sir T. Browne Relig. Med. ii. 13 To me avarice seems not so much a vice, as a deplorable piece of madnesse.
1766 Goldsm. Vic. W. (1876) 159 Avarice was his prevailing passion.
1812 Combe (Dr. Syntax) Pictur. x. 36 Pale av'rice may his heart possess, The bane of human happiness.
Avarice as it is perceived in The Farie Queene:
Avarice rode on a camel directly behind Lust.
His camel was packed with gold and valuables. He held a pile
of coins in his lap and constantly gazed upon his money.