petalism Meaning, Definition & Usage

Pet"al*ism noun
Etymology
Gr. , fr. a leaf: cf. F. pétalisme.
Definitions
  1. (Gr. Antiq.) A form of sentence among the ancient Syracusans by which they banished for five years a citizen suspected of having dangerous influence or ambition. It was similar to the ostracism in Athens; but olive leaves were used instead of shells for ballots.

Webster 1913