lex talionis

American  

[leks tal-ee-oh-nis] / ˈlɛks ˌtæl iˈoʊ nɪs /

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.

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lex talionis British  

/ ˌtælɪˈəʊnɪs /

noun

1. the law of revenge or retaliation

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Etymology

Origin of lex talionis

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

Example Sentences

In fact, it seems that a savage lex talionis is wholly satisfying to the feudists on both sides.

From Violence and the Labor Movement by Hunter, Robert

The lex talionis was the custom of the hour.

From The War Trail The Hunt of the Wild Horse by Reid, Mayne

“We have no right to complain that we receive measure for measure,” he said; “and yet sir, though the lex talionis may be justified, it makes it none the less bitter.”

From Janice Meredith by Ford, Paul Leicester

Neither will I presume to suggest the operation of any lex talionis in respect of cruelty.

From Paul Faber, Surgeon by MacDonald, George

The general principle of the earlier forms of justice is the lex talionis, but the infliction of the penalty was mostly in the discretion of the avenger.

From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various