amerce

verb \ə-ˈmərs\

amercedamerc·ing

Definition of AMERCE

transitive verb

: to punish by a fine whose amount is fixed by the court; broadly : punish

— amerce·ment \-ˈmər-smənt\ noun

— amer·cia·ble \-ˈmər-sē-ə-bəl, -ˈmər-shə-bəl\ adjective

Middle English amercien, from Anglo-French amercier, from Old French a merci at (one's) mercy

First Known Use: 15th century

Next Word in the Dictionary: amerciamentPrevious Word in the Dictionary: AmerasianAll Words Near: amerce

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