Dictionary

amercement en · NOUN

Etymology

From Middle English amercement, from Anglo-Norman amercier + -ment, from Old French à merci. Also from Medieval Latin amerciamentum, from amerciari + -amentum, learned Latinization of Anglo-Norman amerciament, amercement, amerciment. Equivalent to amerce + -ment.

Meanings

1. (countable, uncountable) A non-statutory monetary penalty or forfeiture, usually applied at the discretion of a court.
   • This channel at one point gave occasion for a moss-grown bridge whereon the curious might inform themselves by the authority of a weather-beaten sign that while the road powers of the county of Sussex claimed the bridge and all that appertained to it, they expressly disclaimed liability for any sort of accident or ill that might be experienced there, and in fact held you strictly responsible and answerable in amercement. 1934, Ernest Bramah, The Bravo of London:
   • 29 March. The quhilk daye Thomas Garnes is fund in þe wrang and amerchiament of court, for þe violent ſchuting and towking of Dauid Fleming, officiar to the Cowparis, on frydaye laſt. 1832, Burgh Records of the City of Glasgow, 1573–1581, records for year 1577, page 67:

Forms

Translations (2)

bg глоба (A non-statutory monetary penalty) · ang æfwyrdla (A non-statutory monetary penalty)