amerce

[ uh-murs ]

verb (used with object)

, a·merced, a·merc·ing.

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

amerce

/ əˈmɜːs /

verb

1. law to punish by a fine
2. to punish with any arbitrary penalty

Derived Forms

• aˈmerceable, adjective
• aˈmercer, noun
• aˈmercement, noun

Other Words From

• a·mercea·ble adjective
• a·mercement noun
• a·mercer noun
• una·mercea·ble adjective
• una·merced adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of amerce¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of amerce¹

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

Example Sentences

Millions of spirits for his fault amerced Of Heaven.

From Project Gutenberg

He was prosecuted, convicted, amerced in a fine, and imprisoned three months in York Castle.

From Project Gutenberg

We present Nicholas Barber for smoking in the street, and do amerce him one shilling.”

From Project Gutenberg

It occurs, as every one knows, in the clause of the Great Charter, which says that the villain who falls into the king's mercy is to be amerced 'saving his waynage.'

From Project Gutenberg

The words achieve, agree, amerce, amount, acquit, acquaint, avow, &c. show the same prefix, derived through the medium of Old French.

From Project Gutenberg