reprisals

[ri-prahy-zuhl]

noun

(in warfare) retaliation against an enemy, for injuries received, by the infliction of equal or greater injuries.

an act or instance of retaliation.

the action or practice of using force, short of war, against another nation, to secure redress of a grievance.

the forcible seizure of property or subjects in retaliation.

Origin:
1400–50; late Middle English reprisail < Old French reprisaille. See reprise, -al²

Related forms

non·re·pris·al, noun

Can be confused: reprisal, reprise.

Synonyms
1. redress. See revenge.

Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2012.
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Reprisals is always a great word to know.

So is callithumpian. Does it mean:

a chattering or flighty, light-headed person.

a children's mummer's parade, as on the Fourth of July, with prizes for the best costumes.

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