Decimation
Pronunciation : Dec`i*ma"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. decimatio: cf. F. d?cimation.]
Definition : 1. A tithing. [Obs.] State Trials (1630).
2. A selection of every tenth person by lot, as for punishment. Shak.
3. The destruction of any large proportion, as of people by pestilence or war. Milman.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913