The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Avarice \Av"a*rice\ ([a^]v"[.a]*r[i^]s), n. [F. avaritia, fr.
   avarus avaricious, prob. fr. av[=e]re to covet, fr. a root av
   to satiate one's self: cf. Gr. 'a`menai, 'a^sai, to satiate,
   Skr. av to satiate one's self, rejoice, protect.]
   1. An excessive or inordinate desire of gain; greediness for
      wealth; covetousness; cupidity.
      [1913 Webster]

            To desire money for its own sake, and in order to
            hoard it up, is avarice.              --Beattie.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. An inordinate desire for some supposed good.
      [1913 Webster]

            All are taught an avarice of praise.  --Goldsmith.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

avarice
    n 1: reprehensible acquisitiveness; insatiable desire for wealth
         (personified as one of the deadly sins) [syn: avarice,
         greed, covetousness, rapacity, avaritia]
    2: extreme greed for material wealth [syn: avarice,
       avariciousness, covetousness, cupidity]