trial by combat
trial by combat. Hist. A trial that is decided by personal battle between the disputants, common in Europe and England during the Middle Ages; specif., a trial in which the person accused fought with the accuser, the idea being that God would give victory to the person in the right. • This method was introduced into England by the Normans after 1066, but it was a widely detested innovation and was little used. It became obsolete several centuries before being formally abolished in 1818, having been replaced in practice by the grand assize and indictment. — Also termed trial by battle; trial by wager of battle; trial by duel; judicial combat; duel; duellum; wager of battle; ornest; vadiatio duelli; wehading. See JUDICIUM DEI.
