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compurgation

noun
com·​pur·​ga·​tion | \ ˌkäm-(ˌ)pər-ˈgā-shən How to pronounce compurgation (audio) \

Definition of compurgation

: the clearing of an accused person by oaths of others who swear to the veracity or innocence of the accused

First Known Use of compurgation

circa 1658, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for compurgation

Late Latin compurgation-, compurgatio, from Latin compurgare to clear completely, from com- + purgare to purge

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The first known use of compurgation was circa 1658

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about compurgation

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