from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Compurgation \Com`pur*ga"tion\, n. [L. compurgatio, fr.
compurgare to purify wholly; com- + purgare to make pure. See
Purge, v. t.]
1. (Law) The act or practice of justifying or confirming a
man's veracity by the oath of others; -- called also
{wager of law}. See {Purgation}; also {Wager of law},
under {Wager}.
[1913 Webster]
2. Exculpation by testimony to one's veracity or innocence.
[1913 Webster]
He was privileged from his childhood from suspicion
of incontinency and needed no compurgation. --Bp.
Hacket.
[1913 Webster]