Emily Dickinson Lexicon

COM-POUND', v.i.

1. To agree upon concession; to come to terms of agreement, by abating something of the first demand; followed by for before the thing accepted or remitted. They were glad to compound for his bare commitment to the Tower. – Clarendon.
2. To bargain in the lump; to agree; followed by with. Compound with this fellow by the year. – Shak.
3. To come to terms, by granting something on each side; to agree. Cornwall compounded to furnish ten oxen for thirty pounds. – Carew. Paracelsus and his admirers have compounded with the Galenists, and brought into practice a mixed use of chimical medicines. – Temple.
4. To settle with a creditor by agreement, and discharge a debt by paying a part of its amount; or to make an agreement to pay a debt by means or in a manner different from that stipulated or required by law. A bankrupt may compound with his creditors for ten shillings on the pound, or fifty cents on the dollar. A man may compound with a parson to pay a sum of money in lieu of tithes. [See Composition, No. 9.] To compound with a felon, is to take the goods stolen, or other amends, upon an agreement not to prosecute him. – Blackstone.