mulct

UK: /mʌlkt/ US: (mulkt)

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

mulct  (mulkt), v.t. 

1. to deprive (someone) of something, as by fraud, extortion, etc.;
   swindle.
2. to obtain (money or the like) by fraud, extortion, etc.
3. Lawmaking to punish (a person) by fine, esp. for a misdemeanor.

n. 

4. Lawmaking a fine, esp. for a misdemeanor.

• Latin mul(c)ta penalty involving loss of property
• 1475–85

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

mulct / mʌlkt/ verb (transitive)

1. to cheat or defraud
2. to fine (a person)

noun

1. a fine or penalty

Etymology: 15th Century: via French from Latin multa a fine