Pe"nal*ty (?), n.; pl.
Penalties (#). [F. pénalité.
See Penal.] 1. Penal retribution;
punishment for crime or offense; the suffering in person or property
which is annexed by law or judicial decision to the commission of a
crime, offense, or trespass.
Death is the penalty imposed.
Milton.
2. The suffering, or the sum to be forfeited,
to which a person subjects himself by covenant or agreement, in case
of nonfulfillment of stipulations; forfeiture; fine.
The penalty and forfeit of my bond.
Shak.
3. A handicap. [Sporting Cant]
☞ The term penalty is in law mostly applied to a
pecuniary punishment.
Bill of pains and penalties. See under
Bill. -- On, or Under,
penalty of, on pain of; with exposure to the
penalty of, in case of transgression.