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via dolorosa

noun via do·lo·ro·sa \ -ˌdäləˈrōsə , -ˌdōl- \

Definition of via dolorosa

: a painfully difficult route, passage, or series of experiences
  • an epoch which condemns its children to a via dolorosa of examinations
  • —Herbert Read

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Origin and Etymology of via dolorosa

from Via Dolorosa (from Latin, literally, sorrowful road), Jesus' route from Pilate's judgment hall to Golgotha to be crucified

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