amerce

American  

[uh-murs] / əˈmɜrs /

verb (used with object)

amerced, amercing

1. to punish by imposing a fine not fixed by statute.

2. to punish by inflicting any discretionary or arbitrary penalty.

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amerce British  

/ əˈmɜːs /

verb

1. law to punish by a fine

2. to punish with any arbitrary penalty

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Other Word Forms

• amerceable adjective
• amercement noun
• amercer noun
• unamerceable adjective
• unamerced adjective

Etymology

Origin of amerce

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

Example Sentences

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

From Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Cary, Henry

But ile amerce you with so strong a fine, That you shall all repent the losse of mine.

From Shakespeare in the Theatre by Poel, William

"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 The House of Walderne A Tale of the Cloister and the Forest in the Days of the Barons' Wars by Crake, A. D. (Augustine David)

But Plato here, O Athenians! and Crito Critobulus, and Apollodorus bid me amerce myself in thirty minæ, and they offer to be sureties.

From Apology, Crito, and Phaedo of Socrates by Cary, Henry

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

From Privy Seal His Last Venture by Ford, Ford Madox