Amende

/əˈmend/ noun

Definition

A fine or penalty, particularly in legal contexts; compensation or reparation demanded.

Etymology

From Old French 'amende' (penalty, fine), derived from Latin 'emendare' (to make amends). The word entered English through French legal terminology and is still used in some formal legal contexts.

Kelly Says

You might see 'amende' in historical legal documents or older texts—it's the French word that influenced English legal language. 'Amende honorable' was a famous public penance in medieval France where wrongdoers had to make humiliating public apologies!

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