[f. CHASTISE v. + -MENT: cf. the earlier CHASTI-, CHASTEMENT.]
† 1. Authoritative correction of one who is in fault; means of amendment, discipline, training. Obs.
1340. Ayenb., 17. He is ine grat peril to huam alle triacle went in to venym. Also deþ techinge and chastisement to þe proude.
1477. Earl Rivers (Caxton), Dictes, 7. [Sedechias] says that experyence is a good chastisement. Ibid., 80. It is a grete chastisement to the peple to haue a rightwys lord.
1601. Holland, Pliny, I. 547. As for Oliues … their roots must be bared and laid open … by this manner of chastisement they will amend.
2. Corrective or disciplinary punishment, correction, chastening; also simply punishment.
1303. R. Brunne, Handl. Synne, 4854. Man or womman þat haþ a chylde Þat wyþ vnþewes wexyþ wylde … Chastysment behoueþ þarto.
c. 1386. Chaucer, Melib., ¶ 849 (Petw. MS.). Þe punsshment and þe chastisement and þe vengeaunce of þis outrage.
1561. T. Norton, Calvin’s Inst., III. 212. Esay … sayth: the chasticement (or correction) of our peace was vpon him.
1591. Shaks., 1 Hen. VI., IV. i. 69. Why then Lord Talbot there shal talk with him, And giue him chasticement for this abuse.
1779. Cowper, Olney Hymns, Welcome Cross, iii. Did I meet no trials here, No chastisement by the way.
1831. Blackw. Mag., Aug., 348/2. But bullying noblemen and gentlemen meets with instant chastisement, mental or manual as it may chance.
1839. Thirlwall, Greece, VIII. 269. He was occupied with the chastisement of the Dardanians.
3. Keeping within modest bounds; restraint. b. Purifying or refining. Obs. or arch.
1849. Ruskin, Sev. Lamps, vii. § 2. 184. If by liberty you mean chastisement of the passions.
