delation

plural delations

1. countableobsoleteuncountableConveyance.
2. countableuncountablelawAn accusation or charge brought against someone, especially by an informer; the act of accusing someone.

   Some curious circumstances respecting delation, prison life, and autos da fe are here minutely recorded.

   1858, John Addington Symonds, Renaissance in Italy, Volumes 1 and 2

   3 more examples

   Such public defiance might become Valentinian; but it could leave no room for the unworthy delation of the philosopher Maximus, which supposes some more private offence, (Zosimus, l. iv. p. 200, 201.)

   1789, Edward Gibbon, The History of The Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire

   A wise woman who was popular with her neighbours might escape delation; whereas one who had fallen out with them might find herself accused not just of charming, but even of black witchcraft.

   1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society, published 2012, page 253

   2012, Bradford E. Hinze, Chapter 1: A Decade of Disciplining Theologians, Richard R. Gaillardetz (editor), When the Magisterium Intervenes, Liturgical Press (Michael Glazier), page 9, Delations frequently come from a local bishop, but there have been cases where vigilante groups (e.g., Catholics United for the Faith) and individuals have complained about a theologian's writings or lectures.

   Synonyms: accusation, denunciation