HyperDic: ordeal

English > 2 senses of the word *ordeal*:
NOUN	event	ordeal	a severe or trying / trying experience
NOUN	act	ordeal, trial by ordeal	a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control

ordeal > pronunciation
Sounds	aordiy'l
Rhymes	abele ... zeal: 65 rhymes with iyl...

English > *ordeal*: 2 senses > noun 1, event
Meaning	A severe or trying / trying experience.
Broader	experience	An event as apprehended
Spanish	calvario, ordalía, sufrimiento, suplicio
Catalan	calvari, sofriment, suplici

English > *ordeal*: 2 senses > noun 2, act
Meaning	A primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control; escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence.
Synonym	trial by ordeal
Broader	trial	(law) the determination of a person's innocence or guilt by due process of law