a species of punishment formerly inflicted in France upon traitors, parricides, or sacrilegious persons, in the following manner: The offender being delivered into the hands of the hangman, his shirt was stripped off, a rope put about his neck, and a taper placed in his hand; he was then led into court, where he implored pardon of God, the king, the court, and his country.

AMENDE Honorable is a term also used for making recantation in open court, or in presence of the person injured.