ˈwater-ˌordeal
(See quot. 1701.)
| [1656 Blount Glossogr. s.v. Ordeal, There were of this, four sorts... The third, was hot water-Ordeal, by putting his arms up to the elbows in seething water, &c. The fourth was cold water-Ordeal, like the late used trial of Witches.] 1701 W. Kennett Cowel's Interpr. s.v., This [purgation] was commonly by Fire-Ordeal, or by Water-Ordeal, and this latter was either by hot water, or by cold water. The purgation by hot water was for the Party accus'd to thrust his hands or feet into scalding water, on presumption that his Innocence would receive no harm. That by cold water, was for the Defendant to be cast into a Pond or River (as they now pretend to try Witches) whether he would sink or swim. 1754 Stow's Surv. Lond. (ed. Strype) v. xxx. II. 559/1 They still continue also to try Witches by Water-Ordeal, and believe..that a Witch cannot sink in the Water. 1769 Blackstone Comm. IV. xxvii. 337. 1888 H. C. Lea Hist. Inquisition I. 65 Several of them purged themselves by the water-ordeal. |