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.

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

From Our Legal Heritage by Reilly, S. A.

The King or his representative in the community, called the "reeve", conducted the trial by compurgation.

From Our Legal Heritage by Reilly, S. A.

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.

The form of the oath which she was to swear was then communicated to her and the day for the compurgation fixed.

From Grettir the Strong, Icelandic Saga by Unknown