Probably from Captain William Lynch of Virginia, who organized extralegal tribunals during the American Revolution — the origin is itself disputed among multiple Lynches.
To kill someone for an alleged offense without a legal trial, especially by hanging.
Probably from Captain William Lynch (1742–1820) of Pittsylvania County, Virginia, who led a self-appointed tribunal during the American Revolution to punish Loyalists. 'Lynch's law' meant extralegal punishment without trial, later specifically meaning mob execution by hanging. Key roots: Lynch (American English (eponym): "from Captain William Lynch (or Charles Lynch) of 18th-