Emily Dickinson Lexicon

EX-TORT', v.t. [L. extortus, from extorqueo, to wrest from; ex and torqueo, to twist; Fr. extorquer.]

1. To draw from by force or compulsion; to wrest or wring from by physical force, by menace, duress, violence, authority, or by any illegal means. Conquerors extort contributions from the vanquished; tyrannical princes extort money from their subjects; officers often extort illegal fees; confessions of guilt are extorted by the rack. A promise extorted by duress is not binding.
2. To gain by violence or oppression. Spenser.