compurgation

com·pur·ga·tion  (kmpr-gshn)

n.

An ancient form of trial in which an accused person could call 11 people to swear to their belief in his innocence.

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[Late Latin comprgti, comprgtin-, complete purification, from Latin comprgtus, past participle of comprgre, to purify completely : com-, intensive pref.; see com- + prgre, to purify; see peu- in Indo-European roots.]

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compurgation

formerly, in common law, acquittal on the basis of endorsement by the friends or neighbors of the accused. Also called trial by wager of law. — compurgator, n. — compurgatory, adj.

See also: Law