Duress by threats. The use of threats and menaces to compel a person, by the fear of death, or grievousbodily harm, as mayhem or loss of limb, to do some lawful act, or to commit amisdemeanor. 1 Bl. Comm. 130; 4 Bl. Comm. 30; 4 Steph. Comm. 83. See METUS.