† conˈfraction Obs.
[ad. L. confractiōn-em, n. of action f. confringĕre: see prec.]
Breaking into small fragments; smashing, smash; crushing.
| 1541 R. Copland Guydon's Quest. Chirurg. (1579) 43 The confraction that than after ensue in the membres. 1609 Bible (Douay) Hos. xiii. 13 He shal not stand the confraction of the children. 1646 J. Whitaker Uzziah 26 Such a confraction..as shivers it all in pieces. 1650 Exerc. conc. Usurped Powers 46 To fall with the greater confraction. 1872 Scudamore Notitia Euch. 585 The first supposed allusion to [the Commixture] occurs in the Expositio Brevis ascribed to S. Germanus of Paris (a.d. 555)..‘The Confraction and Commixture of the Body of the Lord’. |