purgation : Dictionary / Wörterbuch (BEOLINGUS, TU Chemnitz)

English Dictionary: purgation	by the DICT Development Group
2 results for purgation
From WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006) [wn]:
purgation n purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels Synonym(s): catharsis, katharsis, purgation a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites Synonym(s): purification, purgation the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge Synonym(s): purge, purging, purgation
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) [web1913]:
Purgation \Pur*ga"tion\, n. [L. purgatio: cf. F. purgation. See {Purge}.] 1. The act of purging; the act of clearing, cleansing, or putifying, by separating and carrying off impurities, or whatever is superfluous; the evacuation of the bowels. 2. (Law) The clearing of one's self from a crime of which one was publicly suspected and accused. It was either canonical, which was prescribed by the canon law, the form whereof used in the spiritual court was, that the person suspected take his oath that he was clear of the matter objected against him, and bring his honest neighbors with him to make oath that they believes he swore truly; or vulgar, which was by fire or water ordeal, or by combat. See {Ordeal}. --Wharton. Let him put me to my purgation. --Shak.