amerce

[ uh-murs ]
/ əˈmɜrs /

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 amerced

punish, fine

Example sentences from the Web for amerced

British Dictionary definitions for amerced

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