ordeal by fire

An ordeal in which the accused person was forced to hold a piece of hot metal or to walk barefoot across a hot surface, the judgment of guilt or innocence depending on how quickly and cleanly the person’s hands or feet healed.

• Typically the person’s hand was bandaged and, upon the bandage’s removal three days later, was examined for festers (indicating guilt).

— Also termed fire ordeal; ordeal by hot iron; ordeal of fire.

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词条贡献者

译员Bernardine，毕业于英国顶尖的高级翻译学院，专注翻译各种与医疗保健及生命科学有关的法律文件。