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ordeal definition

or·deal (ôr dēl′, ôr′dēl′)

noun

  1. 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
  2. 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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