compurgation
Example Sentences
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On the other hand, fines were to be assessed according to local custom; compurgation was retained for unimportant cases and inheritances were to remain divisible among all heirs male.
From The Great Events by Famous Historians, Volume 06 (From Barbarossa to Dante) by Horne, Charles F. (Charles Francis)
Though connected with the White-Cap affair by which Alfred lost his eyesight and his life, he proved an alibi, or spasmodic paresis, or something, and, having stood a compurgation and "ordeal" trial, was released.
From Comic History of England by Nye, Bill
Tithings and the process of compurgation came to the assistance of other criminals, but the ceorl could appeal to none, and expect neither pity nor aid.
From Legal Lore Curiosities of Law and Lawyers by Various
Trover gradually supplants detinue, in which there is compurgation.
From Our Legal Heritage : 600-1776 King Aethelbert - King George III by Reilly, S. A.
It resembled neither the Roman trial, where the judges made the decision, nor the mediæval compurgation and ordeals, where God was supposed to pronounce the verdict.
From An Introduction to the History of Western Europe by Robinson, James Harvey