ordeal
ordeal definition
or·deal (ôr dēl′, ôr′dēl′)
noun
- an ancient method of trial in which the accused was exposed to physical dangers, from which he or she was supposed to be divinely protected if innocent
- any difficult, painful, or trying experience; severe trial
Etymology: 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
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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