auto-da-fe Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish Inquisition)

WordNet

Au"to-da-fé" noun (Also<
  • Auto-da-fe
  • Auto-da-fé
)
Etymology
Pg., act of the faith; auto act, fr. L. actus + da of the + fé faith, fr. L. fides.
Wordforms
plural Autos-da-feminineé
Definitions
  1. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
  2. An execution of such sentence, by the civil power, esp. the burning of a heretic. It was usually held on Sunday, and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms and ceremonies.
  3. A session of the court of Inquisition.

Webster 1913