indiction

[ in-dik-shuhn ]

noun
  1. a proclamation made every 15 years in the later Roman Empire, fixing the valuation of property to be used as a basis for taxation.

  2. a tax based on such valuation.

  1. Also called cycle of indiction. the recurring fiscal period of 15 years in the Roman Empire, long used for dating ordinary events.: Compare lustrum.

  2. a specified year in this period.

  3. the number indicating it.

Origin of indiction

1
1350–1400; Middle English indiccio(u)n<Latin indictiōn- (stem of indictiō) announcement, equivalent to indict(us) past participle of indīcere to announce, proclaim + -iōn--ion

Other words from indiction

  • in·dic·tion·al, adjective

Words Nearby indiction

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use indiction in a sentence

  • Before its adoption the usual practice in Latin countries was to distinguish the years by their number in the cycle of indiction.

  • By extending it backwards, it will be found that the first of the era was the fourth of the cycle of indiction.

  • We entrust to you therefore for this indiction the dignity of the Comitiva Romana, with all its rights and just emoluments.

    The Letters of Cassiodorus | Cassiodorus (AKA Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator)
  • Was he designated when the great Imperial officers were appointed at the beginning of the indiction?

    The Letters of Cassiodorus | Cassiodorus (AKA Magnus Aurelius Cassiodorus Senator)
  • Cycles used in chronology are three: The solar cycle, the lunar cycle, and the cycle of indiction.

    Our Calendar | George Nichols Packer

British Dictionary definitions for indiction

indiction

/ (ɪnˈdɪkʃən) /


noun(in the Roman Empire and later in various medieval kingdoms)
  1. a recurring fiscal period of 15 years, often used as a unit for dating events

  2. a particular year in this period or the number assigned it

  1. (from the reign of Constantine the Great)

    • a valuation of property made every 15 years as a basis for taxation

    • the tax based on this valuation

Origin of indiction

1
C14: from Latin indictiō declaration, announcement of a tax; see indite

Derived forms of indiction

  • indictional, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012