catflap.org Online Dictionary Query

  Amercement \A*merce"ment\, n. [OF. amerciment.]
     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 statute for an offense; but an
     amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of
     affeering. [See Affeer.] --Blackstone.
     [1913 Webster]
  
     Note: This word, in old books, is written amerciament.
           [1913 Webster]
  
     Amercement royal, a penalty imposed on an officer for a
        misdemeanor in his office. --Jacobs.
        [1913 Webster]

  Amercement \A*merce"ment\, n. [OF. amerciment.]
     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.] --Blackstone.
  
     Note: This word, in old books, is written amerciament.
  
     Amercement royal, a penalty imposed on an officer for a
        misdemeanor in his office. --Jacobs.