amerce

[ uh-murs ]
/ əˈmɜrs /
SEE SYNONYMS FOR amerce ON THESAURUS.COM

verb (used with object), a·merced, a·merc·ing.

to punish by imposing a fine not fixed by statute.
to punish by inflicting any discretionary or arbitrary penalty.

Origin of amerce

1250–1300; Middle English amercy < Anglo-French amerci(er) to fine, representing ( estre) a merci (to be) at (someone's) mercy. See a-5, mercy

OTHER WORDS FROM amerce

Words nearby amerce

amentaceous, amentia, amentiferous, amer., amerasian, amerce, america, america first committee, america firster, america's cup, american

Words related to amerce

punish, fine

Example sentences from the Web for amerce

  • But perhaps I could pay you a mina of silver: in that sum, then, I amerce myself.

    Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates |Plato

  • Nay, but they will hold thee to ransom, and detain thee till it is brought: I heard them amerce thee at a thousand marks.

    The House of Walderne |A. D. Crake

  • In your greatness ye shall change it; with your justice ye shall purify it; with your clemencies ye should it chasten and amerce.

    Privy Seal |Ford Madox Ford

  • I amerce myself, then, to you in that sum; and they will be sufficient sureties for the money.

    Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates |Plato

British Dictionary definitions for amerce

amerce
/ (əˈmɜːs) /

verb (tr) obsolete

law to punish by a fine
to punish with any arbitrary penalty

Derived forms of amerce

amerceable, adjective amercement, noun amercer, noun

Word Origin for amerce

C14: from Anglo-French amercier, from Old French à merci at the mercy (because the fine was arbitrarily fixed); see mercy