Definition of: reprisal

(ri·prī′zəl) noun
1. Forcible seizure of anything from an enemy by way of retaliation or indemnity.
2. Anything taken from an enemy as indemnification or in retaliation; also, any act or infliction by way of retaliation; specifically, the infliction of suffering or death on a prisoner of war in retaliation for acts of inhumanity inflicted by him.
3. Any act of retaliation.
4. Obs. A prize seized or gained. [<OF reprisaille <repris, pp. of reprendre take back <L reprehendere. See REPREHEND.]