Oath of CALUMNY, Juramentum, or rather Jururandum,
Calumnia, or de Calumnia, among civilians and canonists,
was an oath which both parties in a cause were obliged to
take; the plaintiff that he did not bring his charge, and the
defendant that he did not deny it, with a design to abuse
the other, but because they believed their cause was just
and good; that they would not deny the truth, nor create
unnecessary delays, nor offer the judge or evidence any
gifts or bribes. If the plaintiff refused this oath, the com-
plaint or libel was dismissed; if the defendant, he was held
pro confesso. This custom was taken from the ancient
athletes, who, before they engaged, were bound to swear
that they had no malice, nor would use any unfair means
for overcoming each other. The juramentum calumnie is
much disused, as a great occasion of perjury.