on pain of

English dictionary entry

Meanings

prep

Used to warn of consequences if a specified act is done or not done: subject to the punishment of (some penalty); or (generally) subject to the circumstance of (some thing).

/ɒn ˈpeɪn əv/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-on pain of.wav /ɑn ˈpeɪn əv/

on pain of

From on + pain (“suffering inflicted as punishment or penalty”) + of; compare French sous peine de.

under pain of upon pain of

at the risk of

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