(See quot. 1701.)
[1656. Blount, Glossogr., s.v. Ordeal, There were of this, four sorts…. The third, was hot water-Ordeal, by putting his arms up to the elbows in seething water, &c. The fourth was cold water-Ordeal, like the late used trial of Witches.]
1701. W. Kennett, Cowel’s Interpr., s.v., This [purgation] was commonly by Fire-Ordeal, or by Water-Ordeal, and this latter was either by hot water, or by cold water. The purgation by hot water was for the Party accus’d to thrust his hands or feet into scalding water, on presumption that his Innocence would receive no harm. That by cold water, was for the Defendant to be cast into a Pond or River (as they now pretend to try Witches) whether he would sink or swim.
1754. Stow’s Surv. Lond. (ed. Strype), V. xxx. II. 559/1. They still continue also to try Witches by Water-Ordeal, and believe … that a Witch cannot sink in the Water.
1769. Blackstone, Comm., IV. xxvii. 337.
1812. Liverpool Mercury, 28 Aug., 6/1. The pretended magicians and sorcerers, who floated, when tried by the water ordeal, were persons deeply affected by nervous disorders.
1888. H. C. Lea, Hist. Inquisition, I. 65. Several of them purged themselves by the water-ordeal.
