Mulct
/mʌlkt/noun
To fine or penalize someone, or a fine imposed as punishment.
Did you know?Latin mulcta meant “a fine” or “penalty,” but its deeper origin is uncertain; scholars have traditionally connected it with Latin mulgere, “to milk,” possibly evoking wealth being extracted.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
mulcta
“A fine, penalty, or monetary punishment”
Classical Latin
Latin
mulctāre
“To fine, punish, or deprive by imposing a penalty”
15th Century
English
mulct
“A fine or monetary penalty”
17th Century
English
mulct
“To impose a fine upon; to penalize”
Modern English
English
mulct
“To fine someone or extract money through a penalty”