PURGATION, in law, signifies the clearing a person's self of a crime of which he is suspected and accused before a judge. This purgation is either canonical or vulgar. Canonical purgation is prescribed by the canon-law, and the form thereof in the spiritual court is usually thus: The person suspected takes his oath that he is innocent of the crime charged against him; and at the same
Purgative, same time brings some of his neighbours to make oath Purgatory. that they believe he swears truly. Vulgar purgation was anciently by fire or water, or else by combat, and was practised here till abolished by our canons. See BATTLE in law, ORDEAL, &c.
PURGATIVE or PURGANO Medicines, medicaments which evacuate the impurities of the body by stool, called also cathartics.