PURGATION

purgation (p[schwa]r-gay-sh[schwa]n). Hist. The act of cleansing or exonerating oneself of a crime or accusation by an oath or ordeal. canonical purgation. Purgation by oath-helpers in an ecclesiastical court. See COMPURGATION. vulgar purgation. Purgation by fire, hot irons, battle, or cold water; purgation by means other than by oath-helpers. • Vulgar purgation was so called […]