compurgation

[ kom-per-gey-shuhn ]

noun

1. 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

1. law (formerly) a method of trial whereby a defendant might be acquitted if a sufficient number of persons swore to his innocence

Derived Forms

• comˈpurgatory, adjective
• ˈcompurˌgator, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of compurgation¹

1650–60; < Medieval Latin compurgātiōn- (stem of compurgātiō ), equivalent to com- com- + purgāt ( us ) (past participle of purgāre to purge ) + -iōn- -ion

Word History and Origins

Origin of compurgation¹

C17: from Medieval Latin compurgātiō, from Latin compurgāre to purify entirely, from com- (intensive) + purgāre to purge

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

Related Words

• exoneration
• revenge