brib·ery \-īb(ə)rē, -ri\noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English briberie, from Middle French briberie, brimberie act of begging, from briber, brimber + -erie -ery 1.obsolete: robbery or theft : extortion 2.: the act or practice of giving or taking a bribe : the act of influencing the action of another by a bribe < bribery and legislative favors were in his opinion legitimate party instruments — Helen C. Boatfield >