The Collaborative International Dictionary
Vehmic
Vehmic \Veh"mic\ (v[=e]"m[i^]k or v[=a]"m[i^]k; 277), a. [G.
vehm, fehm, fehme, a secret tribunal of punishment, MHG.
veime, veme: cf. F. vehmique.]
Of, pertaining to, or designating, certain secret tribunals
which flourished in Germany from the end of the 12th century
to the middle of the 16th, usurping many of the functions of
the government which were too weak to maintain law and order,
and inspiring dread in all who came within their
jurisdiction.
--Encyc. Brit.