piacular

[ pahy-ak-yuh-ler ]

adjective

1. expiatory; atoning; reparatory.
2. requiring expiation; sinful or wicked.

piacular

/ paɪˈækjʊlə /

adjective

1. making expiation for a sacrilege
2. requiring expiation

Other Words From

• pi·acu·lar·ly adverb
• pi·acu·lar·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of piacular¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Latin piāculāris “(of a rite or sacrifice) expiatory, atoning,” equivalent to piācul(um) “expiatory offering, sacrificial victim,” derivative of piā(re) “to propitiate a god, expiate,” derivative of pius “dutiful, faithful (to the gods, one’s country, family, kindred and friends)” + -culum neuter noun suffix for instruments and places + -āris adjective suffix; -cle ², -ar ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of piacular¹

C17: from Latin piāculum propitiatory sacrifice, from piāre to appease

Example Sentences

Where, on the other hand, the victim is a fellow tribesman, the sacrifice is expiatory or piacular.

From Project Gutenberg

Piacular, pī-ak′ū-lar, adj. serving to appease, expiatory: requiring expiation: atrociously bad.

From Project Gutenberg

The Carnea appears to have been at once agrarian, military and piacular in character.

From Project Gutenberg

Henry Williams was thus marked out more distinctly than ever as the piacular victim or scapegoat of the mission.

From Project Gutenberg

Mourning offers us a first and important example of piacular rites.

From Project Gutenberg