Composition

In old European law. A sum of money paid among the early barbarous nations of Europe, as satisfaction for an injury, either to the person offended, when capable of receiving it, or to his relatives; and so called because originally made by mutual agreement of the parties. 1 Robertson's Charles V. Appendix, Note xxiii. Esprit des Lois, liv. 30, c. 19. It might be pjud in cattle, corn, moveables, or lands, instead of money. Id. ibid.