Definition of bloodletting
1
: phlebotomy
2
: bloodshed
3
: elimination of personnel or resources
4
: severe criticism
Take the English, the undisputed champions at verbal bloodletting.— Bill Ott
: a harsh verbal or written attack
But what makes "Cinderella & Company" more than just a book-length bloodletting is Hoelterhoff's unexpected sympathy for most of the singers about whom she writes.— Terry Teachout
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Merriam-Webster unabridged
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Time Traveler for bloodletting
The first known use of bloodletting was before the 12th century
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