abjuration

The story

1. Latin · derived fromabiūrātiō“forswearing, abjuration”
2. Middle English · inherited fromabjuracioun
3. English todayabjuration

First attested around 1439. From Middle English abjuracioun, from Latin abiūrātiō (“forswearing, abjuration”), from ab (“from, away from”) + iūrō (“swear or take an oath”), from iūs (“law, right, duty”). Compare French abjuration.

First known use, by meaning

• First attested around 1350 to 1470. A solemn recantation or renunciation on oath; as, an abjuration of heresy.
• Mid 17ᵗʰ century. A repudiation on oath of a religious or political principle.