ordeal tree
The term "ordeal tree" refers to various trees whose toxic products have been historically used in traditional trials by ordeal to determine guilt or innocence.
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Definition
C1Botany
(technical)A tree known for its toxic properties, used in traditional rituals to test guilt or innocence.
Example
- The bark of the ordeal tree was used to prepare a poisonous concoction for the trial.
C1Cultural Practices
(historical, anthropology)A tree whose toxic products were used in traditional trials to determine if a person was guilty of a crime.
Example
- In some cultures, suspects were made to consume seeds from the ordeal tree as a test of innocence.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "ordeal tree":