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amerce
[ uh-murs ]
/ əˈmɜrs /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
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.
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Origin of amerce
OTHER WORDS FROM amerce
Words nearby amerce
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use amerce in a sentence
Nay, but they will hold thee to ransom, and detain thee till it is brought: I heard them amerce thee at a thousand marks.
The House of Walderne|A. D. CrakeI amerce myself, then, to you in that sum; and they will be sufficient sureties for the money.
In your greatness ye shall change it; with your justice ye shall purify it; with your clemencies ye should it chasten and amerce.
Privy Seal|Ford Madox FordBut perhaps I could pay you a mina of silver: in that sum, then, I amerce myself.
British Dictionary definitions for amerce
amerce
/ (əˈmɜːs) /
verb (tr) obsolete
law to punish by a fine
to punish with any arbitrary penalty
Derived forms of amerce
amerceable, adjectiveamercement, nounamercer, nounWord Origin for amerce
C14: from Anglo-French amercier, from Old French à merci at the mercy (because the fine was arbitrarily fixed); see mercy
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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