I. ˈlinch noun
or lyn·chet ˈlinchə̇t
( plural lynches or lyn·chets lynch alter. of linch, alter. of 1 link; lynchet alter. of linch + -et )
1. Britain : a terrace or ridge on the face of a down
2. Britain : a ridge or strip of unplowed land forming a boundary between fields
II. ˈlinch transitive verb
( -ed/-ing/-es )
Etymology: lynch law
1.
a. archaic : to beat or otherwise do physical violence to by mob action
had been lynched, tarred and feathered, and sent down the Missouri on a frail raft — Lawrence (Kansas) Republican
b. : to hang or otherwise kill by mob action in punishment of a presumed crime or offense
had recently been lynched by burning — S.C.Webster
2. : to subject to scorn, defamation, or ridicule by violent attack in speech or writing
liberalism … had not been condemned in the court of human reason, but lynched outside of it — M.R.Cohen
• lynch·er -chə(r) noun -s