Auto-da-fe

2 definitions found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  auto-da-fe \auto-da-fe\, 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.


        [1913 Webster]
  
     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.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     3. Hence: [Fig.] The public denunciation or punishment of a
        person who has offended the prevailing authorities.
        [PJC]
  
     4. A session of the court of Inquisition.
        [1913 Webster]

From WordNet (r) 2.0 [wn]:

  auto-da-fe
       n : the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish
           Inquisition)
       [also: {autos-da-fe} (pl)]