Brandschatzung

Brandschatz +‎ -ung. 16th-century recharacterization of the earlier (Middle High German) synonym Brandschatz.

The original meaning of the term is "exaction of tribute under the threat of pillaging". The shift to the now-prevalent meaning of "looting, pillaging" takes place in the 20th century, apparently by misunderstanding, but this usage is now sanctioned by the Duden, which glosses the term as Plünderung (“pillage”).

• Audio:

  (file)

Brandschatzung f (genitive Brandschatzung, plural Brandschatzungen)

1. the exaction of tribute from a city under the threat of setting fire to it.

   Synonym: Brandschatz m

2. looting and pillaging

   Synonym: Plünderung f

• “Brandschatzung” in Duden online