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.
3. Also called cycle of indiction. the recurring fiscal period of 15 years in the Roman Empire, long used for dating ordinary events. Compare lustrum.
4. a specified year in this period.
5. the number indicating it.

indiction

/ ɪnˈdɪkʃən /

noun

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
3. from the reign of Constantine the Great
   1. a valuation of property made every 15 years as a basis for taxation
   2. the tax based on this valuation

Derived Forms

• inˈdictional, adjective

Other Words From

• in·dic·tion·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of indiction¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of indiction¹

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

Example Sentences

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

Was he designated when the great Imperial officers were appointed at the beginning of the Indiction?

From Project Gutenberg

Cycles used in chronology are three: The solar cycle, the lunar cycle, and the cycle of indiction.

From Project Gutenberg