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The term “blackmail” originated in the 16th and 17th centuries in the border regions of Scotland and England. The word “mail” in this context comes from the Old Norse word “mal” (meaning “agreement” or “payment”). “Black” referred to something sinister or illicit. Together, “blackmail” referred to payments made by farmers and landowners to border raiders or gangs in exchange for protection from their raids and violence. Essentially, it was a form of extortion to avoid harm.