Oath Purgatory
Defined in 4 dictionaries — Cyclopedic (1922), Ballentine's (1916), Bouvier (1914), Black's (1891)
The Cyclopedic Law Dictionary
Walter A. Shumaker and George Foster Longsdorf; ed. James C. Cahill · 1922
An oath by which one destroys the presumptions which were against him, for he is then said to purge himself when he removes the suspicions which were against him; as, when a man is in contempt for not attending court as a witness, he may purge himself of the contempt by swearing to a fact which is an ample excuse. See "Purgation."
Ballentine's Law Dictionary
James A. Ballentine · 1916
Bouvier's Law Dictionary and Concise Encyclopedia
John Bouvier; revised by Francis Rawle · 1914
An oath by which one destroys the presumptions which were against him, for he is (hen said to purge himself, when lie removes the suspicions which were against him: as, when a man is in contempt for not attending court as a witness, he may purge himself of the contempt, by swearing to a fact which is an ample excuse. See Purgation. OATH SUPPLET0RY. In Civil and Ecclesiastical Law. An oath required by the judge from either party in a cause, upon half-proof already made, which being joined to half-proof, supplies the evidence required to enable the judge to pass upon the subject. See 3 Bla. Com. 270.
A Dictionary of Law
Henry Campbell Black · 1891
An oath by which a person purges or ciears himself from presumptions, charges, or suspicious standing against him, or from a contempt.