Talk:ordeal

Definition 2 needs a better explanation of "divine authority deciding" (actually, "with decision by divine authority" seems more natural to me, but never mind that). Simply linking to the three individual definitions doesn't explain anything. Anoyatu 14:19, 12 August 2011 (UTC)

Specifically, the definition needs to explain that in a trial by ordeal, the accused can only prove her innocence by dying. Surviving the ordeal is considered proof of witchcraft, or whatever, and draws a death sentence. Thus death is the only possible outcome of such a trial. Anoyatu 15:08, 30 August 2011 (UTC)


 * The opposite is normally true. Can you provide any source for your claim? --Espoo (talk) 22:32, 27 November 2016 (UTC)

etymology
The etymology is incorrect. See http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=ordeal --Espoo (talk) 22:38, 27 November 2016 (UTC)