'amerce' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'amercier,' where 'a-' meant 'at' and 'merci' meant 'mercy.'

'amercier' transformed into the Middle English word 'amercen,' and eventually became the modern English word 'amerce'.

Initially, it meant 'to be at the mercy of,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to impose a fine or penalty.'