2. (Law) The application to another of either physical or
moral force. When the force is physical, and cannot be
resisted, then the act produced by it is a nullity, so far
as concerns the party coerced. When the force is moral,
then the act, though voidable, is imputable to the party
doing it, unless he be so paralyzed by terror as to act
convulsively. At the same time coercion is not negatived
by the fact of submission under force. ``Coactus volui''
(I consented under compulsion) is the condition of mind
which, when there is volition forced by coercion, annuls
the result of such coercion. --Wharton.