compurgation

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Though connected with the White-Cap affair by which Alfred lost his eyesight and his life, he proved an alibi, or spasmodic paresis, or something, and, having stood a compurgation and "ordeal" trial, was released.

From Comic History of England by Nye, Bill

Tithings and the process of compurgation came to the assistance of other criminals, but the ceorl could appeal to none, and expect neither pity nor aid.

From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various

For civil suits there was a provision against ‘wager of battle,’ and the accused again cleared themselves by compurgation.

From Bell's Cathedrals: The Cathedral Church of Ripon A Short History of the Church and a Description of Its Fabric by Hallett, Cecil Walter Charles

The Norman kings, indeed, had introduced into England a new method of deciding doubtful questions of property by the "recognition" of sworn witness instead of by the English process of compurgation or ordeal.

From Henry the Second by Green, Mrs. J. R.

Proof was by compurgation, the ordeal having been abolished by the Church.

From Our Legal Heritage by Reilly, S. A.