Dictionary

auto–da–fé

noun au·to–da–fé \ˌa-tō-də-ˈfā, ˌ-tō-\
plural au·tos–da–fé \-tōz-də-\

Definition of AUTO-DA-FÉ

:  the ceremony for pronouncing judgment by the Inquisition which was followed by the execution of sentence by secular authorities; broadly :  the burning of a heretic
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Origin of AUTO-DA-FÉ

Portuguese auto da fé, literally, act of the faith
First Known Use: 1697

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