Cold-Water Ordeal
Defined in 3 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Black's (1910)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
The trial which was anciently used for the common sort of people, who, having a cord tied about them under their arms, were cast into a river. If they sank to the bottom until they were drawn up, which was in a very short time, then were they held guiltless; but such as did remain upon the water were held culpable, being, as they said, of the water rejected. Wharton.
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
A trial in which the defendant was thrown into cold water; if he sank he was deemed innocent; if not, guilty.
Black's Law Dictionary
Henry Campbell Black, M.A. · 1910
The trial which was anciently used for the common sort of people, who, having a cord tied about them under their arms, were cast into a river; if they sank to the bottom until they were drawn up, which was in a very short time, then were they held guiltless; but such as did remain upon the water were held culpable, being, as they said, of the water rejected and kept up. Wharton.