lex talionis

[leks tal-ee-oh-nis]

noun

1. the principle or law of retaliation that a punishment inflicted should correspond in degree and kind to the offense of the wrongdoer, as an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth; retributive justice.

lex talionis

/ ˌtælɪˈəʊnɪs /

noun

1. the law of revenge or retaliation

Word History and Origins

Origin of lex talionis¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; from Latin lēx tāliōnis “law of talion” ( talion ( def. ) )

Word History and Origins

Origin of lex talionis¹

C16: New Latin