Looking for the meaning or definition of the word blackmail? Here's what it means.
Noun
(archaic) A certain rate of money, corn, cattle, or other thing, anciently paid, in the north of England and south of Scotland, to certain men who were allied to robbers, or moss troopers, to be by them protected from pillage.
Payment of money exacted by means of intimidation; also, extortion of money from a person by threats of public accusation, exposure, or censure.
(English law, historical)Black rent, or rent paid in corn, meat, or the lowest coin, as opposed to white rent, which was paid in silver.
Verb
(transitive) To extort money or favors from (a person) by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, such as injury to reputation, distress of mind, false accusation, etc.
