amerce

verb

Etymology: From Anglo-Norman amercier, from Old French a (“at”) + merci (“mercy”), thus “at the mercy of”.

1. To impose a fine on; to fine.

   “But I'll amerce you with so strong a fine That you shall all repent the loss of mine:”

   “The person, in whose house the conventicle met, was amerced a like sum.”

2. To punish; to make an exaction.

   “The fellows of his crime, the followers rather (Far other once beheld in bliss), condemn'd For ever now to have their lot in pain, Millions of Spirits for his fault amerc't”

   “Thou know'st thou art naked! Must the time Come thou shalt be amerced for sins unknown,”