01 n. Penal retribution; punishment for crime or offense; the suffering in person or property which is annexed by law or judicial decision to the…
pl.
Penalties ((#))
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1.
Penal retribution; punishment for crime or offense; the suffering in person or property which is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a crime, offense, or trespass.“Death is the penalty imposed.” — Milton.
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2.
The suffering, or the sum to be forfeited, to which a person subjects himself by covenant or agreement, in case of nonfulfillment of stipulations; forfeiture; fine.“The penalty and forfeit of my bond.” — Shak.
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3.
A handicap.[Sporting Cant]
Phrases & compounds
Bill of pains and penalties —
See under Bill.
On penalty of —
on pain of; with exposure to the penalty of, in case of transgression.