Obs. [ad. L. confractiōn-em, n. of action f. confringĕre: see prec.] Breaking into small fragments; smashing, smash; crushing.
1541. R. Copland, Guydon’s Quest. Chirurg. (1579), 43. The confraction that than after ensue in the membres.
1609. Bible (Douay), Hos. xiii. 13. He shal not stand the confraction of the children.
1646. J. Whitaker, Uzziah, 26. Such a confraction follows a heart thus lifted up, as shivers it all in pieces.
1650. Exerc. conc. Usurped Powers, 46. To fall with the greater confraction.
1872. Scudamore, Notitia Euch., 585. The first supposed allusion to [the Commixture] occurs in the Expositio Brevis ascribed to S. Germanus of Paris (A.D. 555) … ‘The Confraction and Commixture of the Body of the Lord.’
