auto-da-fe, Au·to-da-fé n.; pl. Autos-da-fé
1. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
2. An execution of such sentence, by the civil power, esp. the burning of a heretic. It was usually held on Sunday, and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms and ceremonies.
4. A session of the court of Inquisition.
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auto-da-fe
n : the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish
Inquisition)
[also: autos-da-fe (pl)]