wergild

noun

wer·​gild ˈwər-ˌgild 

variants or wergeld

ˈwer-ˌgeld 

: the value set in Anglo-Saxon and Germanic law upon human life in accordance with rank and paid as compensation to the kindred or lord of a slain person

Word History

Etymology

Middle English wergeld, from Old English, from wer man + -geld, alteration of gield, geld payment, tribute — more at geld

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above