mulct

Definition

A fine or penalty, especially a pecuniary one.

Etymology

From Middle French mulcter (“to fine, punish”), from Latin mulcta (“penalty, fine”). Possibly a doublet of milk.

Example Sentences

• "juries cast up what a wife is worth, / By laying whate'er sum in mulct they please on / The lover, who must pay a handsome price, / Because it is a marketable vice."
• "[…]by the Salic law, no higher mulct was imposed for killing, than for kidnapping a slave."
• "The Act of Uniformity had laid a mulct of a hundred pounds on every person who, not having received episcopal ordination, should presume to administer the Eucharist."