on pain of UK /ɒn ˈpeɪn əv/US /ɑn ˈpeɪn əv/ preposition1 •Used to warn of consequences if a specified act is done or not done: subject to the punishment of (some penalty); or (generally) subject to the circumstance of (some thing).On paine of death, no person be so bold, Or daring, hardy, as to touch the listes, Except the Martiall and such officers Appoynted to direct these faire designes. — 1595