trial by ordeal
Noun: A historical method of judging guilt or innocence by forcing the accused to undergo a dangerous, painful, or physically demanding test. The outcome (such as surviving, escaping injury, or healing quickly) was believed to reveal a divine verdict, with a favorable outcome typically interpreted as proof of innocence.
This term is used to describe a specific, archaic practice of justice. It is primarily used in historical, legal, and anthropological contexts to discuss pre-modern judicial systems. * The accused's fate was decided by trial by ordeal, such as carrying a red-hot iron. * In medieval Europe, trial by ordeal was a common judicial procedure before the rise of jury systems. * The practice of trial by ordeal reflects a belief in divine intervention in human affairs.
- Metaphorical Use: The phrase can be used metaphorically to describe any extremely difficult, painful, or stressful experience that tests someone's endurance or character.
- Surviving that intense interrogation felt like a modern trial by ordeal.
- The final exam week was a trial by ordeal for the students.
- Ordeal (noun): A very unpleasant and prolonged experience. This is the more common modern usage, derived from the historical practice.
- Recovering from the surgery was a real ordeal.
- Trial by combat: A related historical practice where guilt or innocence was decided by a duel between the accuser and the accused.
- Judicium Dei (Latin for "Judgment of God")
- Ordeal
- Fire ordeal: A type of trial by ordeal involving walking over or carrying hot coals or metal.
- Water ordeal: A type of trial by ordeal involving submersion in water (e.g., if the accused floated, they were guilty; if they sank, they were innocent).
- a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control; escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence