Advertisement
Advertisement
View synonyms for compurgation
compurgation
[ kom-per-gey-shuhn ]
noun
- an early common-law method of trial in which the defendant is acquitted on the sworn endorsement of a specified number of friends or neighbors.
compurgation
/ ˌkɒmpɜːˈɡeɪʃən /
noun
- law (formerly) a method of trial whereby a defendant might be acquitted if a sufficient number of persons swore to his innocence
Discover More
Derived Forms
- comˈpurgatory, adjective
- ˈcompurˌgator, noun
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of compurgation1
Discover More
Word History and Origins
Origin of compurgation1
C17: from Medieval Latin compurgātiō, from Latin compurgāre to purify entirely, from com- (intensive) + purgāre to purge
Discover More
Example Sentences
For civil suits there was a provision against ‘wager of battle,’ and the accused again cleared themselves by compurgation.
From Project Gutenberg
But experience having shown that this method of trial was tumultuary and uncertain, they corrected it by the idea of compurgation.
From Project Gutenberg
Compurgation was abolished in 1440 as its inferiority to trial by witnesses became fully recognized.
From Project Gutenberg
With this assize too a practice which had prevailed from the earliest English times, the practice of "compurgation," passed away.
From Project Gutenberg
But the compurgation was now completed, and the Cid was compelled to do homage.
From Project Gutenberg
Advertisement
Related Words
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Browse