BLACKMAIL  , a

term, in English law, used in three special meanings, at different times . The usual derivation of the second half of the word is from Norman Fr. maille (medalia; cf . " medal "), small copper coin; the New English Dictionary derives from " mail " (q.v.), meaning rent or tribute . (I) The primary meaning of " blackmail " was rent paid in labour, grain or baser metal (i.e. money other than sterling money), called reditus nigri, in contradistinction to rent paid in silver or white money (mailles blanches) . (2) In the northern counties of England (Northumberland, Westmorland and the bishopric of Durham) it signified a tribute in money, corn, cattle or other consideration exacted from farmers and small owners by freebooters in return for immunity from robbers or moss-troopers . By a statute of 16oi it was made a felony without benefit of clergy to receive or pay such tribute, but the practice lingered until the union of England and Scotland in 1707 . (3) The word now signifies extortion of money or property by threats' of libel, presecution, exposure, &c . See such headings as COERCION, CONSPIRACY, EXTORTION, and authorities quoted under CRIMINAL LAW .