'avarice' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'avaritia', where the root 'avarus' meant 'greedy'.

'avarice' changed from the Old French word 'avarice' (from Latin 'avaritia') and eventually became the modern English word 'avarice'; the plural form 'avarices' follows English/Latin plural patterns.

Initially, it meant 'greediness or covetousness' in Latin, and over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extreme greed for wealth', largely maintaining the original sense.