'Reprisal' definitions:

Definition of 'reprisal'

From: WordNet
noun
A retaliatory action against an enemy in wartime

Definition of 'Reprisal'

From: GCIDE
  • Reprisal \Re*pris"al\ (r?-priz"al), n. [F. repr?saille, It. ripresaglia, rappresaglia, LL. reprensaliae, fr. L. reprehendere, reprehensum. See Reprehend, Reprise.]
  • 1. The act of taking from an enemy by way of reteliation or indemnity. [1913 Webster]
  • Debatable ground, on which incursions and reprisals continued to take place. --Macaulay. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Anything taken from an enemy in retaliation. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. The act of retorting on an enemy by inflicting suffering or death on a prisoner taken from him, in retaliation for an act of inhumanity. --Vattel (Trans.) [1913 Webster]
  • 4. Any act of retaliation. --Waterland. [1913 Webster]
  • Letters of marque and reprisal. See under Marque. [1913 Webster]