/in dem"ni tee/ , n. , pl. indemnities .
1. protection or security against damage or loss.
2. compensation for damage or loss sustained.
3. something paid by way of such compensation.
4. protection, as by insurance, from liabilities or penalties incurred by one's actions.
5. legal exemption from penalties attaching to unconstitutional or illegal actions, granted to public officers and other persons.
[ 1425-75; late ME indem ( p ) nite indemnitas, equiv. to indemni ( s ) without loss ( in- IN- 3 + -demn-, comb. form of damn- (s. of damnum loss; see DAMN) + -is adj. suffix) + -tas -TY 2 ]