compurgation Meaning, Definition & Usage

Com`pur*ga"tion noun

Etymology

L. compurgatio, fr. compurgare to purify wholly; com- + purgare to make pure. See Purge, v. t.

Definitions

1. (Law) The act or practice of justifying or confirming a man's veracity by the oath of others; -- called also wager of law. See Purgation; also Wager of law, under Wager.
2. Exculpation by testimony to one's veracity or innocence.

   He was privileged from his childhood from suspicion of incontinency and needed no compurgation. Bp. Hacket.