The definition of an ordeal is a very severe test, trial or difficult or painful experience.
(noun)An example of ordeal is an extensive and long surgical procedure.
See ordeal in Webster's New World College Dictionary
noun
Origin: ME ordal < OE, akin to Ger urteil, judgment < WGmc *uzdailjo-, what is dealt out < *uzdailjan, to deal out, allot, adjudge < *uz-, out + *dailjan < *dails, a part, share
See ordeal in American Heritage Dictionary 4
noun
Origin:
Origin: Alteration (influenced by deal1)
Origin: of Middle English ordal, trial by ordeal
Origin: , from Old English ordāl; see dail- in Indo-European roots
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