exactingness (egzaktingnes)

The quality of being exacting, in either sense. It has fallen out that, because of exactingne as regards proof, philosophy is detained in what seems to be barren inquiry, while because of a certain license as regards proof science has prospered. Westminster Rev. , CXXVIII. 757. exaction (eg-zak's hon), n. [F. Pr. exaction = Sp. exaccion = Pg. exacção = It. esazione , exactio (n-), exigere , pp. exact us , demand, exact: see exact , v.] 1. The act of demanding with authority and compelling to pay or yield; compulsory or authoritative demand; exce ive or arbitrary requirement: as, the exaction of tribute or of obedience. Take away your exactions from my people. Ezek. xlv. 9. Under pretence of preserving the Sanctuary there from the violations, and the Fryars who have the custody of it, from the exactions of the Turks. Maundrell, Aleppo to Jerusalem, p. 46. We may, without being chargeable with exaction , ask of him to remit a little the rigour of his requirements. F. Hall , Mod. Eng., p. 348. 2. That which is exacted; a requisition; especially, something compulsorily required without right, or in exce of what is due or proper. pay an unreasonable Add is on, Travels in Italy. His own exactions, and the Persian's boons, O'erload his treasure. Glover, A then aid, xv. Subjects as well as strangers. exaction at every ferry. 3. In law, a wrong done by an officer or one in pretended authority, by taking a reward or fee for that for which the law allows none. See extortion.