ORDALIAN Meaning and
Definition
-
Ordalian is an archaic term that pertains to a legal or judicial ordeal, primarily used in medieval times. Derived from the Latin "ordalium," it refers to a trial by physical test or a means of resolving disputes by subjecting the accused to some form of dangerous or life-threatening examination. In such ordeals, the belief was that divine intervention or supernatural forces would guide the outcome, revealing the truth or guilt of the individual.
The practice of ordalian varied across different societies and cultures, but it often involved tasks that pushed the boundaries of human endurance, such as walking on hot coals or picking up a red-hot iron. Commonly associated with the medieval period, ordalians were used to determine the guilt or innocence of individuals accused of crimes or witchcraft. These dangerous trials were seen as a way to leave the judgment in the hands of a higher power rather than relying solely on the testimonies or evidence.
The term ordalian is now mainly used in historical and anthropological contexts to describe these ancient practices. It serves as a reminder of the strenuous and perilous methods employed in the pursuit of justice in the past. In contemporary legal systems, the use of ordalians has long been abolished in favor of more rational and lawful means of determining guilt or innocence, such as relying on evidence, witnesses, and professional juridical processes.
Common Misspellings for ORDALIAN
- krdalian
- lrdalian
- prdalian
- 0rdalian
- 9rdalian
- oedalian
- oddalian
- ofdalian
- otdalian
- o5dalian
- o4dalian
- orsalian
- orxalian
- orfalian
- orralian
- orealian
- ordzlian
- ordslian
- ordwlian
- ordqlian
Etymology of ORDALIAN
The word "Ordalian" is derived from the Greek word "ordalos", which means "trial" or "judgment". In ancient Greece, a judicial practice known as "ordalism" or "ordeals" was performed as a means of determining guilt or innocence. These ordeals involved subjecting the accused to dangerous or painful situations, and it was believed that divine intervention would ensure that the innocent party would be spared harm. Over time, the term "ordalos" evolved into "ourdalian" in Old English, and eventually into "Ordalian" in its current form.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
