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compurgation definition

com·pur·ga·tion (käm′pər gā′s̸hən)

noun

the former practice of clearing an accused person by the oaths of others testifying to that person's innocence

Etymology: LL compurgatio, a purifying < L compurgatus, pp. of compurgare, to purge, purify < com-, intens. + purgare, to purge

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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