from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Vehmic \Veh"mic\ (v[=e]"m[i^]k or v[=a]"m[i^]k; 277), a. [G.
vehm, fehm, fehme, a secret tribunal of punishment, MHG.
veime, veme: cf. F. vehmique.]
Of, pertaining to, or designating, certain secret tribunals
which flourished in Germany from the end of the 12th century
to the middle of the 16th, usurping many of the functions of
the governments which were too weak to maintain law and
order, and inspiring dread in all who came within their
jurisdiction. --Encyc. Brit.
[1913 Webster]