rent-racking1
/ˈrɛntˌrakɪŋ/Now chiefly historical
noun
The subjecting of a person to the payment of a very high or extortionate rent.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Thomas Taylor (1576–1632), Church of England clergyman. From rent + racking, probably after rent-racker. Compare rent-racking, and slightly later rent-rack, rent-racked.
rent-racking2
/ˈrɛntˌrakɪŋ/Now chiefly historical
adjective
That subjects a person to the payment of a very high or extortionate rent.
Origin
Early 17th century; earliest use found in Richard Carpenter (1575–1627), Church of England clergyman. From rent + racking, probably after rent-racker. Compare rent-racking, and slightly later rent-rack, rent-racked.