compurgation means acquitting someone from a formal charge or accusation following the sworn oaths of a number of other people; vindication. Lexicurio rates it Sui generis — a strength score of 87 out of 100.
compurgation is pronounced /kɒmpɜːˈɡeɪʃən/.
Why “compurgation” is a great word
COMPURGATION — [Noun] A medieval legal procedure in which a defendant is acquitted of a charge upon the sworn oaths of a specified number of other people attesting to their innocence or good character. From Latin compurgātiōnem, accusative of compurgātiō ("a complete purging"), from compurgāre ("to purify wholly"), from com- ("together, thoroughly") + purgāre ("to cleanse, purge"). Unlike “vindication,” which is a general clearing of blame, or “testimony,” which is any evidence given by a witness, compurgation is the formal alchemy of reputation into legal absolution. It is the weight of a dozen hands on a cold Bible, the murmured Latin litany of neighbors, and the collective breath of a community held to purge the accused—a fragile bridge of faith over the dark water of doubt.
noun
- Acquitting someone from a formal charge or accusation following the sworn oaths of a number of other people; vindication.“Between the later middle ages and the early seventeenth century, compurgation appears to have become an increasingly onerous test to pass, perhaps reflecting tightening attitudes to sexual offenders.”