compurgation

noun com·pur·ga·tion \ˌkäm-(ˌ)pər-ˈgā-shən\

Definition of COMPURGATION

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

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

First Known Use: circa 1658

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