Alfet

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An alfet (mod. form would be ole-vat) was an ancient cauldron filled with boiling water, into which an accused person was to plunge his arm up to his elbow. If hurt, he was held guilty; if not, acquitted. It was also used for purgation.

[edit] References

  • This article incorporates content from the 1728 Cyclopaedia, a publication in the public domain.
  • Du Cange, Charles Dufresne, Sieur. Glossarium mediæ et infimæ Latinitatis. 1840–50; 1883–87.
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