01 n. The act of taking from an enemy by way of retaliation or indemnity.
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1.
The act of taking from an enemy by way of retaliation or indemnity.“Debatable ground, on which incursions and reprisals continued to take place.” — Macaulay.
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2.
Anything taken from an enemy in retaliation.
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3.
The act of retorting on an enemy by inflicting suffering or death on a prisoner taken from him, in retaliation for an act of inhumanity.
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4.
Any act of retaliation.
Phrases & compounds
Letters of marque and reprisal —
See under Marque.