A-mērçe', v. t.

(14), v. t. [imp. & p. p. AMERCED; p. pr. & vb. n. AMERCING.] [O. Fr. amercier, to require amends, impose a fine; L. Lat. amerciare, from Lat. merces, wages, penalty.]

1. To punish by a pecuniary penalty, the amount of which is not fixed by law, but left to the discretion of the court; as, the court amerced the criminal in the sum of one hundred dollars.
2. To punish, in general.

*Millions of spirits for his fault amerced Of Heaven.* Milton. Shall by him be amerced with penance due. Spenser.