'On penalty of' definitions:

Definition of 'On penalty of'

From: GCIDE
  • Penalty \Pe"nal*ty\, n.; pl. Penalties. [F. p['e]nalit['e]. See Penal.]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Death is the penalty imposed. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • The penalty and forfeit of my bond. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. A handicap. [Sporting Cant] [1913 Webster]
  • Note: The term penalty is in law mostly applied to a pecuniary punishment. [1913 Webster]
  • Bill of pains and penalties. See under Bill.
  • On penalty of, or Under penalty of, on pain of; with exposure to the penalty of, in case of transgression. [1913 Webster]

Words containing 'On penalty of'