† exˈcussion Obs.
[ad. L. excussiōn-em, n. of action f. excut-ĕre: see excuss.]
1. The action of shaking, casting, or putting out or off, material or immaterial things.
| 1607 Topsell Four-f. Beasts 125 The new bunches swelling vp..do thrust off the old horns, being holpe..by the willing excussion of the beast that beareth them. 1620 Bp. Hall Hon. Mar. Clergy i. §3 The iust excussion of that seruile yoke. 1649 Bulwer Pathomyot. ii. vi. 183 Extrusion or excussion of the Muscle that moves the Jaw. 1650 Charleton Paradoxes 73 Fire is, by excussion, kindled from flint. 1698 Consid. conc. Succession & Alleg. 33 The late King's Excussion of his Regal Authority. 1721–1800 in Bailey. |
2. ‘Diligent inquisition or examination’ (Bailey).
Richardson cites an example of this sense from Wats' tr. Bacon's Adv. Learn. (1640) vi. ii. 274; but the word is a misprint for excursion (the original having excursio).
3. Mod. Civ. Law. [Cf. OF. escussion in same sense.] Seizure of goods for debt, etc.
| 1622 Malynes Anc. Law-Merch. 453 Debarring..the exceptions of Prescription, Excussion, etc. 1726 Ayliffe Parerg. 272 If upon such an Excussion there are not Goods found sufficient..his Body may be attach'd. 1755 in Johnson; whence in Ash, etc. |