Pe"nal*ty (?), n.; pl. Penalties (#). [F. p'enalit'e. 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, ∨ Under, penalty of, on pain of; with exposure to the penalty of, in case of transgression.
© Webster 1913.