ˈpāmənt noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English payment, payement, from Middle French paiement, from Old French, from paier to pay + -ment — more at pay
1. : the act of paying or giving compensation : the discharge of a debt or an obligation
prompt payment of debts
payment of a fine
2. : something that is paid : something given to discharge a debt or obligation or to fulfill a promise : pay , return , requital
amortize a debt with monthly payments
accepted a judgeship as payment for loyal service to the party
3. archaic : punishment , chastisement