\Re*pris"al\ (r?-priz"al), n. [F. repr?saille, It.
ripresaglia, rappresaglia, LL. reprensaliae, fr. L.
reprehendere, reprehensum. See {Reprehend}, {Reprise}.]
1. The act of taking from an enemy by way of reteliation or
   indemnity.
         Debatable ground, on which incursions and reprisals
         continued to take place.              --Macaulay.
2. Anything taken from an enemy in retaliation.
3. The act of retorting on an enemy by inflicting suffering
   or death on a prisoner taken from him, in retaliation for
   an act of inhumanity. --Vattel (Trans.)
4. Any act of retaliation. --Waterland.
{Letters of marque and reprisal}. See under {Marque}.