Water ordeal
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Related to Water ordeal: trial by ordeal
WATER ORDEAL. An ancient form of trial, now abolished, by which the accused, tied band and foot, were cast into cold water, and if they did not sink they were deemed innocent or they were compelled to plunge their limbs into hot water, and if they came out unhurt they were considered innocent. Vide Ordeal.
A Law Dictionary, Adapted to the Constitution and Laws of the United States. By John Bouvier. Published 1856.