Compromising material that can be used to extort someone, dirt.
The extortion of money or favours by threats of public accusation, exposure, or censure.
Black rent, or rent paid in corn, meat, or the lowest coin, as opposed to white rent, which was paid in silver.
To extort money or favors from (a person) by exciting fears of injury other than bodily harm, such as injury to reputation, distress of mind, false accusation, etc.
To speak ill of someone; to defame someone.
The act by which something is wrung.