bloodwite

Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia

1. n. In anc. law: A wite, fine, or amercement paid as a composition for the shedding of blood.
2. n. The right to such compensation.
3. n. A riot in which blood was shed.

Wiktionary

1. n. A penalty for committing bloodshed, specifically under Anglo-Saxon law a penalty to be paid to the king or aldorman as distinct from the wergild.

GNU Webster's 1913

1. n. (Anc. Law) A fine or amercement paid as part of a settlement for the shedding of blood; also, a riot wherein blood was spilled.