OCR Text |
Show Derivation of Blackmail. Originally, blackmail was moy paid, In troublous times, to protect householders and workers of the land against freebooters. Tho word "black" did not mean wicked or wrongful, but had tho sense of to cherish or protect This was a customory trlbuto of money, corn, cattlo or the like anciently paid In the northern' counties of England or Scotland for protection against pillage. pil-lage. Just as Insuranco Is now paid to corporations formed to provide It for a consideration. In tho course of time the word took on added meanings. mean-ings. Just as almost every other word has, and today It represents an nt-tempt nt-tempt to hold up and defraud by means of Intlmldntlon and threats. |