v. [f. L. commināt- ppl. stem of commināri (cf. next): see -ATE3.] trans. To threaten (with Divine vengeance), anathematize. Also with acc. of cognate meaning, and intr. Hence Comminating vbl. sb.
1611. Speed, Hist. Gt. Brit., IX. ix. (1632), 613. Either by perswasion, or crauing, or commanding, or comminating, or excommunicating.
1801. G. Hardinge, Sec. Essence of Malone, 55 (L.). I cannot agree to this anathema, though comminated by, etc.
1839. Ld. Cockburn, Jrnl., I. 219. No one liked less to be thwarted or could comminate better.
1847–54. Thackeray, Christmas Bks. (1872), 73. Gronow, if he comminates his neighbour’s congregation, is the affectionate father of his own.
