lex talionis
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.
Origin of lex talionis
1- Also called talion.
Words Nearby lex talionis
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
How to use lex talionis in a sentence
With the latter, the lex talionis—the law of retaliation—governs the basic rules of “eye for an eye” justice.
Is Israel Immoral to Retaliate Against Gaza? | Thane Rosenbaum | November 24, 2012 | THE DAILY BEASTIt is time that the lex talionis should be applied to those who have so often made themselves merry at our expense.
In the prairies of the Far West, this law is exactly the same as the ancient lex talionis of the Hebrews.
The Trapper's Daughter | Gustave AimardThe lex talionis has been abolished by the law of civilization and the higher law of the gospel.
The Vote That Made the President | David Dudley FieldIn fact, it seems that a savage lex talionis is wholly satisfying to the feudists on both sides.
Violence and the Labor Movement | Robert Hunter
Perhaps she has something to complain of; but if she has any conscience at all, she ought to recognize the lex talionis.
Guy Livingstone; | George A. Lawrence
British Dictionary definitions for lex talionis
/ (ˌtælɪˈəʊnɪs) /
the law of revenge or retaliation
Origin of lex talionis
1Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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