n.
Pronunciation: ' blak- ˌ m ā ( ə )l
Function: noun
Etymology: black + 1 mail
Date: 1552
1 : a tribute anciently exacted on the Scottish border by plundering chiefs in exchange for immunity from pillage
2 a : extortion or coercion by threats especially of public exposure or criminal prosecution b : the payment that is extorted
– blackmail transitive verb
– black · mail · er noun