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