Amerce

What does Amerce mean in American Law?

The definition of Amerce in the law of the United States, as defined by the lexicographer Arthur Leff in his legal dictionary is:

See amercement.

Grammar

This term is a verb.

Etimology of Amerce

(You may find amerce at the world legal encyclopedia and the etimology of more terms).

punishment by arbitrary or discretionary fine, 1215, earlier amercy, Anglo-French amercier “to fine,” from merci “mercy, grace” (see mercy). The legal phrase estre a merci “to be at the mercy of” (a tribunal, etc.) was corrupted to estre amercié in an example of how an adverbial phrase in legalese can become a verb (compare abandon). Frans hom ne seit amerciez pour petit forfet. [Magna Charta] Related: Amercement; amerciable/amerceable.