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Androlepsy
UK
/ˌændrəˈlɛpsi/
US
/ˌændrəˈlɛpsi/
Translation of "androlepsy" into Russian
androlepsy
Noun
UK
/ˌændrəˈlɛpsi/
US
/ˌændrəˈlɛpsi/
androlepsy
androlepsies pl
андролепсия
The ancient Greeks practiced androlepsy as a form of justice.
Древние греки практиковали андролепсию как форму правосудия.
Definitions
androlepsy
Noun
UK
/ˌændrəˈlɛpsi/
US
/ˌændrəˈlɛpsi/
A form of reprisal or retaliation in which individuals are seized as hostages to compel the fulfillment of an obligation or to exact retribution.
The ancient practice of androlepsy was sometimes used to ensure that debts were paid or treaties were honored.
(historical, Ancient Greek law) The legal right or practice whereby citizens of one city-state could seize a citizen of another city-state to compel compensation for an injury or offense.
Under the law of androlepsy, Athenians might kidnap a Spartan to force payment for damages.