in Law, is an illegal manner of wresting any thing from a man, either by force, menace, or authority. It is also the exaction of unlawful usury, winning by unlawful games, and taking more than is due under pretence of right, as excessive tolls in millers, &c.

At the common law, extortion is punishable by fine and imprisonment; and the statute of 3 Eliz. I.c. 30. has enacted, that officers of justice guilty of extortion for the expedition of businets, &c., shall render to the party treble value. There are likewise divers other statutes for punishing extortions of sheriffs, bailiffs, gaolers, clerks of the assize and of the peace, attorneys, solicitors, &c.