compurgation

Etymology

From Latin compurgātiōnem, from compurgāre (“to purify”).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA^(key): /kɒmpəːˈɡeɪʃ(ə)n/

Noun

compurgation (countable and uncountable, plural compurgations)

1. (now chiefly historical) Acquitting someone from a formal charge or accusation following the sworn oaths of a number of other people; vindication.
   • 2012, Faramerz Dabhoiwala, The Origins of Sex, Penguin 2013, p. 23:

     Between the later middle ages and the early seventeenth century, compurgation appears to have become an increasingly onerous test to pass, perhaps reflecting tightening attitudes to sexual offenders.