compurgation
English edit
Etymology edit
From Latin compurgātiōnem, from compurgāre (“to purify”).
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
compurgation (countable and uncountable, plural compurgations)
- (now chiefly historical) Acquitting someone from a formal charge or accusation following the sworn oaths of a number of other people; vindication.
- 2012, Faramerz Dabhoiwala, The Origins of Sex, Penguin, published 2013, page 23:
- Between the later middle ages and the early seventeenth century, compurgation appears to have become an increasingly onerous test to pass, perhaps reflecting tightening attitudes to sexual offenders.
Related terms edit
Translations edit
clearing someone following sworn oaths
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