vindicta

1. Vindicta (ἀναδέκτης) is an act of justice, like avenging: ultio (ἀλαλκεῖν, ἀλέξειν), an act of anger, like revenge; talio (τλῆναι), an act of retaliation. 2. Ultio, vindicatio, and talio, take place in consequence of the supreme authority of an individual; punitio, mulctatio, and castigatio, in consequence of the demand of others; pœna (ποινή, πεῖνα, πένομαι), as a punishment which the violated and offended law demands, by any mode of suffering; mulcta (μαλάξαι) as an amercement, which justice and equity demand, as a compensation for injuries done, especially a fine; castigatio, as a chastisement, which may serve to improve the individual, especially a rebuke. Pœna is for the general good; mulcta, for the good of the injured party; castigatio, for that of the guilty party. (v. 249.) 3. Pœnire means to punish, according to the principles of justice; whereas puniri, in Cicero, to take vengeance into one’s own hands.