ordeal

== English == === Etymology === From Middle English ordel, ordal, from Medieval Latin ordālium or inherited from its source Old English ordēl, ordāl (“ordeal, judgement”), from Proto-West Germanic *uʀdailī (“judgement”, literally “an out-dealing”), from *uʀdailijan (“to deal out; dispense”). For more, see Old English or-, English deal. Cognate with Saterland Frisian Uurdeel (“judgement; verdict”), West Frisian oardiel (“judgement”), Dutch oordeel (“judgement, discretion”), Low German Oordeel (“judgement; verdict”), German Urteil (“judgement, verdict”). === Pronunciation === (UK) IPA(key): /ɔːˈdiːl/ (US, Canada) IPA(key): /ɔɹˈdil/ Hyphenation: or‧deal Rhymes: -iːl === Noun === ordeal (plural ordeals) (historical) A trial in which the accused was subjected to a dangerous test (such as ducking in water), divine authority deciding the guilt of the accused. trial by ordeal (figuratively) A painful or trying experience. The poisonous ordeal bean or Calabar bean. ==== Derived terms ==== ==== Translations ==== === See also === trial by fire === Anagrams === loader, Loader, Eldora, Laredo, reload, Rodela