compurgation
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of compurgation
1650–60; < Medieval Latin compurgātiōn- (stem of compurgātiō ), equivalent to com- com- + purgāt ( us ) (past participle of purgāre to purge ) + -iōn- -ion
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
They also introduced a barbarous system of trial, that by compurgation, i.e. exculpation by the oath of the defendant supported by a certain number of cojurantes, and that by ordeal, later called judicium Dei.
From Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 10, Slice 8 "France" to "Francis Joseph I." by Various
The form of the oath which she was to swear was then communicated to her and the day for the compurgation fixed.
From Grettir the Strong, Icelandic Saga by Unknown
It might give procedural privileges: trial by battle is excluded, and trial by compurgation is secured and regulated.
From Our Legal Heritage by S. A. Reilly
This form gradually fell into disuse before the more rational form of compurgation introduced into Teutonic courts in the fifth century.
From Prize Orations of the Intercollegiate Peace Association by Stephen Francis Weston
The Norman kings, indeed, had introduced into England a new method of deciding doubtful questions of property by the "recognition" of sworn witness instead of by the English process of compurgation or ordeal.
From Henry the Second by Mrs. J. R. Green
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