Pu"nice, v. t. To punish. [Obs.] Chaucer.
{ Pu*ni"ceous (?), Pu*ni"cial (?), } a. [L. puniceus, fr. Punicus
Punic.] Of a bright red or purple color. [R.]
Pu"ni*ness (?), n. The quality or state of being puny; littleness;
pettiness; feebleness.
Pun"ish (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Punished (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Punishing.] [OE. punischen, F. punir, from L. punire, punitum, akin to
poena punishment, penalty. See Pain, and -ish.] 1. To impose a penalty
upon; to afflict with pain, loss, or suffering for a crime or fault,
either with or without a view to the offender's amendment; to cause to
suffer in retribution; to chasten; as, to punish traitors with death; a
father punishes his child for willful disobedience.
A greater power Now ruled him, punished in the shape he sinned.
Milton.
2. To inflict a penalty for (an offense) upon the offender; to repay,
as a fault, crime, etc., with pain or loss; as, to punish murder or
treason with death.