mactation
Definitions
from The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
- noun The act of killing a victim for sacrifice.
Examples
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After the necessary ablutions the priest once more began his pious work, while the victim growing bolder so provoked his rage that it was not till the fourth mactation that we rested and put off our joust to another season.
Note
The word 'mactation' comes from a Latin word meaning 'to slay, sacrifice'.
