subhastation Obs. exc. Hist.
(sʌbhæˈsteɪʃən)
[ad. L. subhastātio, -ōnem, n. of action f. subhastāre, f. sub hastā under the spear (see ‖ sub 4 and sub- 1 g), from the Roman practice of setting up a spear where an auction was to be held. Cf. F. subhastation, It. subastazione, Sp. subastacion.]
A public sale by auction.
| 1600 Holland Livy xxxix. xliv. 1052 The Censors by proclamation commaunded those to avoid farre from the subhastation, who had disanulled the former leases and bargains. 1625 Donne Serm. (1626) 20 For that blasphemy then was David sold, under a dangerous sub-hastation. 1686 Burnet Trav. i. 10 The way of selling Estates, which is likewise practised in Switserland, and is called Subhastation. |