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Auto-da-fe - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Auto-da-fe : (noun)
1: the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish
Inquisition)
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Auto-da-f'e \Au"to-da-f['e]"\, n.; pl. Autos-da-f['e]. [Pg.,
act of the faith; auto act, fr. L. actus _ da of the _ f['e]
faith, fr. L. fides.]
1. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal
condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious
offenses.
2. An execution of such sentence, by the civil power, esp.
the burning of a heretic. It was usually held on Sunday,
and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms
and ceremonies.
3. A session of the court of Inquisition.
Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)
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