WordWeight : Weighing the Words

Pronunciation : Pe"nal*ty
Part of Speech : n.;
Etymology : [F. p?nalit?. See Penal.]
Definition : 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]

Note: 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.

pl. Penalties.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913