lynch : Idioms & Phrases
lynch law
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noun the practice of punishing people by hanging without due process of law
WordNet
Lynch" law`
Definitions
. The act or practice by private persons of inflicting punishment for crimes or offenses, without due process of law. ✍ The term Lynch law is said to be derived from a Virginian named Lynch, who took the law into his own hands. But the origin of the term is very doubtful.
Webster 1913
lynch mob
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noun a mob that kills a person for some presumed offense without legal authority
