noyade

American  

[nwah-yahd, nwa-yad] / nwɑˈyɑd, nwaˈyad /

noun

1. destruction or execution by drowning, especially as practiced at Nantes, France, in 1793–94, during the Reign of Terror.

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noyade British  

/ nwɑːˈjɑːd, nwajad /

noun

1. French history execution by drowning, esp as practised during the Reign of Terror at Nantes from 1793 to 1794

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Etymology

Origin of noyade

1810–20; < French: drowning, equivalent to noy ( er ) to drown (< Latin necāre to kill) + -ade -ade ¹

Example Sentences

What, Walter; haven’t you the grace to wait for me, after my having delivered you from such a noyade?

From Project Gutenberg

They were fellow-victims in the noyade of marriage, but if they ceased to struggle perhaps the drowning would be easier for both…Meanwhile the first of the month was at hand, with its usual batch of bills; and there was no time to think of any struggle less pressing than that connected with paying them… Undine had been surprised, and a little disconcerted, at her husband's acceptance of the birthday incident.

From Project Gutenberg

It gives us some insight into its ugliest side to know that, among other words, it produced the following: 'guillotine,' 'incivisme,' 'lanterner,' 'noyade,' 'sansculotte,' 'terrorisme.'

From Project Gutenberg