trial by combat

noun

A method of Germanic law to settle accusations in the absence of witnesses or a confession in which two parties in dispute fought in single combat; the winner of the fight was proclaimed to be right.

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Meanings

nountrial by combat (countable and uncountable, plural trials by combat)

plural trials by combat · alternative wager of battle · alternative trial by battle · alternative judicial duel

  1. countableuncountableA method of Germanic law to settle accusations in the absence of witnesses or a confession in which two parties in dispute fought in single combat; the winner of the fight was proclaimed to be right.

Translations

Polish pojedynek sądowy
  • pojedynek sądowyTranslations
Cite this entry
APA

trial by combat. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/trial%20by%20combat

MLA

“trial by combat.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/trial%20by%20combat. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “trial by combat,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/trial%20by%20combat.

Source: trial by combat on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.