purgation Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun purging the body by the use of a cathartic to stimulate evacuation of the bowels
    catharsis; katharsis.
  2. noun a ceremonial cleansing from defilement or uncleanness by the performance of appropriate rites
    purification.
  3. noun the act of clearing yourself (or another) from some stigma or charge
    purge; purging.

WordNet

Pur*ga"tion noun
Etymology
L. purgatio: cf. F. purgation. See Purge.
Definitions
  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.

Webster 1913