English dictionary
amercement
Definitions, examples, synonyms and antonyms from WordNet 3.0.
noun
-
money extracted as a penalty
Source: WordNet 3.0
-
The infliction of a penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or penalty thus imposed. It differs from a <i>fine</i>,in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statute for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See <u>Affeer</u>.]
Source: webster1913