"right to the use and profits of the property of another without damaging it," 1610s (implied in usufructuary), from Late Latin usufructus, in full usus et fructus "use and enjoyment," from Latin usus "a use" (see use, n.) + fructus "enjoyment," literally "fruit" (see fruit). Attested earlier in delatinized form usufruit (late 15c.).