noun (n)

• money extracted as a penalty(noun.possession)

  Synonym:
  fine, mulct
  

  source: wordnet30
• The infliction of a penalty at the discretion of the court; also, a mulct or penalty thus imposed. It differs from a fine,in that the latter is, or was originally, a fixed and certain sum prescribed by statute for an offense; but an amercement is arbitrary. Hence, the act or practice of affeering. [See Affeer.](noun)

  source: webster1913