Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

murdrum

noun
mur·​drum | \ ˈmərdrəm\
plural -s

Definition of murdrum

early English law
1 : murder especially : a killing in secret
2 : a fine exacted under the Norman kings from the hundred in which a person was slain unless the slayer was produced or proof was given that the slain person was not a Franco-Norman

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

  • More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
  • Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
  • Advanced search features
  • Ad free!

History and Etymology for murdrum

Medieval Latin, murder, fine for murder, from Old French murdre murder

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about murdrum

Dictionary Entries near murdrum

murderous

murder weapon

Murdoch

murdrum

mure

murein

Murena

Statistics for murdrum

Look-up Popularity

Comments on murdrum

What made you want to look up murdrum? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

hamartia

Listen to the pronounciation of hamartia

a flaw that causes the downfall of a hero

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

A Green Quiz

  • shamrock
  • What is the best definition of green-eyed monster?
Name That Thing

Test your visual vocabulary with our 10-question challenge!

TAKE THE QUIZ
SCRABBLE® Sprint

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play

Ask the Editors

Word Games