noun
historicalA person appointed to determine the values of fines and amercements, typically charged with adjusting a generally prescribed penalty according to the particular circumstances of an offender and his or her offence.
Origin
Early 16th century; earliest use found in John Fitzherbert (d. 1531). From Anglo-Norman afferour, affoerour, affirour assessor of amercements from afferer, affoerer, etc. affeer + -our.
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