water-ordeal

In the same volume, “Women: Witches and Witnesses” by Clive Holmes reports that a 1645-6 witchhunt in England was interrupted by a ban on the water-ordeal by one Judge Godbolt, so I was evidently mistaken on that topic as well.

The Bible as Elective Course in Public Schools - The Panda's Thumb 2005

"What comes with sin goes with sorrow," and he resolved to submit his money to the water-ordeal, thinking that the ill-got money would sink to the bottom, and what was honestly acquired swim on the top.

Folk-Lore and Legends; Scandinavian Various

There is another water-ordeal "for religious men."

The Religions of India Handbooks on the History of Religions, Volume 1, Edited by Morris Jastrow Edward Washburn Hopkins 1894

"Here is the picture of the water-ordeal which you forgot to look at," said Cleary, as he collected the photographs.

Captain Jinks, Hero Ernest Howard Crosby 1881

Richards, recommending the search after witch-marks, and the application of the water-ordeal, which means throw your grandmother into the water, if she has a mole on her arm; -- if she swims, she is a witch and must be hanged; if she sinks, the Lord have mercy on her soul!

Medical Essays, 1842-1882 Oliver Wendell Holmes 1851

Richards, recommending the search after witch-marks, and the application of the water-ordeal, which means throw your grandmother into the water, if she has a mole on her arm; -- if she swims, she is a witch and must be hanged; if she sinks, the Lord have mercy on her soul!

Complete Project Gutenberg Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. Works Oliver Wendell Holmes 1851

As regards the water-ordeal, the same trouble was not taken.

Memoirs of Extraordinary Popular Delusions and the Madness of Crowds Charles Mackay 1851

They are produc’d best by sowing and setting; previous to which, let the nuts be first spread to sweat, then cover them in sand; a month being past, plunge them in water, reject the swimmers; being dry’d, for thirty days more, sand them again, and to the water-ordeal as before.

Sylva, Vol. 1 (of 2) Or A Discourse of Forest Trees John Evelyn 1663