mulctuary

English

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin mulctuārius + English -ary (suffix meaning ‘of or pertaining’ to forming adjectives). Mulctuārius is derived from mulcta (“fine”).

Pronunciation

• (Received Pronunciation) IPA^(key): /ˈmʌlkt͡ʃuəɹi/, /ˈmʌlkt͡ʃəɹi/
• (General American) IPA^(key): /ˈmʌlkt͡ʃuˌɛɹi/
• Hyphenation: mulct‧u‧ary

Adjective

mulctuary (not comparable)

1. Imposing a pecuniary penalty; consisting of, or paid as, a fine.
   • 1695, William Temple, An Introduction to the History of England, London: […] Richard Simpson […], and Ralph Simpson […], →OCLC, page 172:

     The laſt common Branch of the King's Revenue conſiſted of Forfeitures, both of Lands and Goods, in Caſes of Treaſon, and Fines or ſome knovvn mulctuary Puniſhments upon other Crimes, vvhich vvere diſtinctly preſcribed in the Saxon Lavvs, even for Manſlaughter and Murther itſelf; […]

Alternative forms

• mulctary