Hypertext Webster Gateway: "extortion"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Extortion \Ex*tor"tion\, n. [F. extorsion.]
1. The act of extorting; the act or practice of wresting
anything from a person by force, by threats, or by any
undue exercise of power; undue exaction; overcharge.
2. (Law) The offense committed by an officer who corruptly
claims and takes, as his fee, money, or other thing of
value, that is not due, or more than is due, or before it
is due. --Abbott.
3. That which is extorted or exacted by force.
Syn: Oppression; rapacity; exaction; overcharge.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
extortion
n 1: an exorbitant charge
2: unjust exaction (as by the misuse of authority): "the
extortion by dishonest officials of fees for performing
their sworn duty"
3: the felonious act of extorting money (as by threats of
violence)
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