Now rare. [ad. L. februātiōn-em, n. of action f. februāre: see prec.] A ceremonial purification or cleansing.
a. 1652. J. Smith, Sel. Disc., ii. (1673), 31. Some particular pieces of Superstitious Customs were antiquated and grown out of date, (as is well observ’d concerning those Charms and Februations anciently in use upon the appearing of an Eclipse, and some others).
1663. J. Spencer, Prodigies (1665), 172. To reconcile his peevish and touchy Greatness by some Februations.
1711–1800. in Bailey.
1876. Martin, trans. Keil’s Comm. Ezek., I. 207. The passing of children through fire without either slaying or burning; a februation by fire.
