01 n. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
pl.
Autos-da-fé
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1.
A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
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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.
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3.
The public denunciation or punishment of a person who has offended the prevailing authorities.[Fig.]
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4.
A session of the court of Inquisition.