A·merce·ment 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 statute for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See Affeer.]
 Note: ☞ This word, in old books, is written amerciament.
 Amercement royal, a penalty imposed on an officer for a misdemeanor in his office.
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 A·mer·cia·ment n.  Same as Amercement.
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