ORDAL Meaning and
Definition
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"Ordal" is a word derived from the Middle English term "ordain," meaning to establish or decree. However, "ordal" has come to be recognized as a noun with a distinct definition. Generally, an ordal refers to a form of trial or ordeal used to determine the guilt or innocence of a person accused of a crime or offense. This ancient practice was prevalent in various cultures throughout history, especially during the medieval period.
An ordal typically involved subjecting the accused to a physical or psychological challenge that was believed to be ordained by a divine power. The outcome of the ordal was considered to be a manifestation of divine intervention, reflecting the judgement of the gods or supernatural forces. Examples of ordals include trial by fire, where the accused had to walk over hot coals, and trial by water, also known as "the ordeal of water," in which individuals were submerged underwater and observed for signs of guilt or innocence.
These trials were heavily influenced by superstitions and religious beliefs, with the belief that innocence would result in divine protection or intervention, whereas guilt would lead to harm or death. However, ordals were often highly subjective and prone to manipulation, making them inherently flawed methods of determining guilt or innocence.
Over time, the use of ordals declined as legal systems evolved and moved towards more impartial and evidence-based methods of determining guilt or innocence. Nowadays, the term "ordal" is primarily seen in historical contexts to describe these obsolete trials and their associated practices.
Common Misspellings for ORDAL
- ordel
- ordeel
- yorodal
- krdal
- lrdal
- 0rdal
- 9rdal
- oddal
- otdal
- o5dal
- o4dal
- orxal
- ordzl
- ordsl
- ordwl
- ordql
- ordak
- ordap
- ordao
- oirdal
