 | WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
| WordWeight : Weighing the Words |
Expiation
Pronunciation : Ex`pi*a"tion
Part of Speech : n.
Etymology : [L. expiatio: cf.F. expiation]
Definition : 1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty. His liberality seemed to have something in it of self-abasement and expiation. W. Irving.
2. The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an atonement. Those shadowy expiations weak, The blood of bulls and goats. Milton.
3. An act by which the treats of prodigies were averted among the ancient heathen. [Obs.] Hayward.
Source : Webster's Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
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