[ˈblʌdwʌɪt]

Definitions

1. noun

A fine or compensation paid by an unmarried man to the family of a woman he has seduced or impregnated.

“In medieval England, bloodwite was a common penalty imposed on men who had seduced or impregnated an unmarried woman.”

2. noun

A fine or compensation paid by a person guilty of certain crimes, especially in medieval England.

“The king demanded a bloodwite from the townspeople for the murder of their lord.”