Purge

To clear one's self of a a charge of crime, formerly allowed in England. It was either canonical, which was prescribed by the canon law, the form whereof, used in the spiritual court, is, that the person suspected take his oath that he is clear of the facts objected against him, and bring his honest neighbors with him to make oath that they believe he swears truly; or vulgar, which was by fire or water ordeal, or by combat. These are all abolished. See Jacob; Wharton. Purging is still allowed, however, in proceedings for contempt; that is, when a man is charged with a contempt of court, he may purge himself of such contempt by swearing that in doing the act charged he did not intend to commit a contempt.