1. Roman law. A harm done or an offense committed such as injury to a person or property, esp. by a slave or son. • This gave rise to noxal liability.
2. Roman law. The obligation to pay for damage committed by a son, slave, or animal. • The father or owner generally had to pay damages or else surrender the tortfeasor offending person or animal to the injured party (noxal surrender). — Also termed noxal liability. See NOXAL ACTION.
3. An offense, generally.
4. The punishment for an offense.
5. Something that exerts a harmful effect on the body.
