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

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg