bloodwite

noun

variants or less commonly bloodwit

ˈ⸗ˌ⸗

1

early English law

a(1)

: a fine or amercement for the shedding of blood payable to the king, lord, or other superior in compensation for the breach of his peace compare wergild

(2)

: a penalty for murder

b(1)

: the right to levy such a fine

(2)

: exemption from payment of such a fine

2

Scots law : a broil or riot in which blood is spilled

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Old English blōdwīte, from blōd blood + wīte punishment

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