AMERCEMENT

amercement  (<<schwa>>-m<<schwa>>rs-m<<schwa>>nt),  n.[fr.  Law  French  estre  à  merci

“to be at the mercy (of another),” fr. Latin merces “payment”] 1. The imposition of a discretionary

fine or penalty by a court, esp. on an official for misconduct <an amercement proceeding>.2. The

fine or penalty so imposed <an amercement charged to the sheriff for failing to return the writ of

execution>. — Also termed cashlite; (archaically) amer-ciament; merciament. [Cases: Sheriffs and

Constables    125. C.J.S. Sheriffs and Constables §§ 335–385.] [Blacks Law 8th]