Legal Definitions - cenegild

Cenegild (kay-nuh-gild) is a historical term that refers to an expiatory fine paid by a murderer to the victim's relatives.

For example, in Anglo-Saxon England, if someone killed another person, they would have to pay a cenegild to the victim's family as a way of making amends for their crime. The amount of the fine varied depending on the social status of the victim and the perpetrator.

Another example is found in the Old Testament of the Bible. In Exodus 21:30, it says, "If a ransom is imposed on him, then he shall give for the redemption of his life whatever is imposed on him." This refers to the concept of cenegild, where a person who has committed murder must pay a fine to the victim's family as a way of redeeming their life.

These examples illustrate how cenegild was a common practice in many cultures throughout history as a way of compensating the victim's family for their loss and providing a form of justice for the crime committed.