(n.) The infliction of a penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or penalty thus imposed. It differs from a fine, in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statue for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See Affeer.]

amends amercement atonement blood money compensation consideration distraint distress escheat escheatment fine forfeit forfeiture guerdon honorarium indemnification indemnity meed mulct price quittance recompense redress remuneration reparation requital requitement restitution retribution return reward salvage satisfaction sconce smart money solatium wergild