Blackmail

Blackmail, a rent or tribute formerly exacted by freebooting chiefs from the people in the Border counties of England and Scotland, and along the Highland border. It was a kind of compromise with robbers, and bought immunity from the attacks not only of others, but also of those to whom it was paid. It is mentioned in Archbishop Hamilton's Catechisme (1552) and in Maitland's Thicvis of Liddelstale (about 1561), and it continued to be exacted along the Highland border until about the middle of the 18th century. The celebrated Rob Roy was about 1730 a notable levier of blackmail in the southern Highlands and adjacent Lowlands. Later, Coll M'Donell of Barrisdale was noted farther north. For 'blackmailing' by threatening letters, see THREATS.