to criminate

TO CRIMINATE. To accuse of a crime; to admit having committed a crime or 
misdemeanor. 
     2. It is a rule, that a witness cannot be compelled to answer any 
question which has a tendency to expose him to a penalty, or to any kind of 
punishment, or to a criminal charge. 3 Bouv. Inst. n. 3209-12; 4 St. Tr. 6; 
10 How. St. Tr. 1096; 6 St. Tr. 649; 16 How. St. Tr. 1149; 2 Dougl. R. 593; 
2 Ld. Raym. 1088; 24 How. St. Tr. 720; 16 Ves. jr. 242; 2 Swanst. Ch. R. 
216; 1 Cranch. R. 144; 2 Yerg. R. 110 5 Day, Rep. 260; I Carr., & Payne, 11 
2 Nott & M'C. 13; 6 Cowen, Rep. 254; 2 Peak. N. P. C. 106; 1 John. R. 498; 
12 S. & R. 284; 8 Wend. 598. 
     3. An accomplice, admitted to give evidence against his associates in 
guilt, is bound to make a full and fair confession of the whole truth 
respecting the subject-matter of the prosecution; but he is not bound to 
answer with respect to his share in other offences, in which he was not 
concerned with the prisoner. 9 Cowen, R. 721, note (a); 2 Carr. & Payne, 
411. Vide Disgrace,; Witness;