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mactation

noun mac·ta·tion \ makˈtāshən \

Definition of mactation

plural -s

: an act of killing; especially : the ritual slaughter of a sacrificial victim

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Origin and Etymology of mactation

Late Latin mactation-, mactatio, from Latin mactatus (past participle of mactare to honor, sacrifice, slay, slaughter, from mactus worshiped, honored) + -ion-, -io -ion

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