Teju Cole

In countries with a properly functioning legal system, the mob continues to exist, but it is rarely called upon to mete out capital punishment. The right to take human life belongs to the state. Not so in societies where weak courts and poor law enforcement are combined with intractable structural injustices.

Nigerian Writer

Often used in legal or official discussions about assigning punishments or rewards.

Judicial Context

Implies someone has the authority or power to distribute something, usually justice or punishment.

Authority Implication

Carries a serious tone, not used for casual or everyday situations.

Serious Tone

Used in historical contexts or to describe old-fashioned measurement methods.

Historical Usage

Appears in classical literature or in the reproduction of historical documents.

Literary Reference

Recognizable in expressions or idioms from old English, not modern conversation.

Mete