expiation

from WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006)
expiation
    n 1: compensation for a wrong; "we were unable to get
         satisfaction from the local store" [syn: {atonement},
         {expiation}, {satisfaction}]
    2: the act of atoning for sin or wrongdoing (especially
       appeasing a deity) [syn: {expiation}, {atonement},
       {propitiation}]
    
from The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Expiation \Ex`pi*a"tion\, n. [L. expiatio: cf.F. expiation]
   1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime
      or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or
      penalty.
      [1913 Webster]

            His liberality seemed to have something in it of
            self-abasement and expiation.         --W. Irving.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or
      sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an
      atonement.
      [1913 Webster]

            Those shadowy expiations weak,
            The blood of bulls and goats.         --Milton.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. An act by which the threats of prodigies were averted
      among the ancient heathen. [Obs.] --Hayward.
      [1913 Webster]
    
from Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Expiation
Guilt is said to be expiated when it is visited with punishment
falling on a substitute. Expiation is made for our sins when
they are punished not in ourselves but in another who consents
to stand in our room. It is that by which reconciliation is
effected. Sin is thus said to be "covered" by vicarious
satisfaction.

  The cover or lid of the ark is termed in the LXX. hilasterion,
that which covered or shut out the claims and demands of the law
against the sins of God's people, whereby he became "propitious"
to them.

  The idea of vicarious expiation runs through the whole Old
Testament system of sacrifices. (See {PROPITIATION}.)
    
from Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
35 Moby Thesaurus words for "expiation":
      amends, atonement, balancing, commutation, compensation,
      composition, compromise, counteraction, counterbalancing,
      expiatory offering, indemnification, indemnity, lex talionis,
      making amends, making good, making right, making up, offsetting,
      peace offering, piaculum, propitiation, quittance, reclamation,
      recompense, rectification, redemption, redress, reparation,
      repayment, restitution, retaliation, revenge, satisfaction,
      squaring, substitution

    

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