Ordeal
English Meaning
An ancient form of test to determine guilt or innocence, by appealing to a supernatural decision, -- once common in Europe, and still practiced in the East and by savage tribes.
- A difficult or painful experience, especially one that severely tests character or endurance. See Synonyms at trial.
- A method of trial in which the accused was subjected to physically painful or dangerous tests, the result being regarded as a divine judgment of guilt or innocence.