Obs. exc. Hist. [ad. L. subhastātio, -ōnem, n. of action f. subhastāre, f. sub hastā under the spear (see ǁ SUB 4 and SUB- 1 g), from the Roman practice of setting up a spear where an auction was to be held. Cf. F. subhastation, It. subastazione, Sp. subastacion.] A public sale by auction.
1600. Holland, Livy, XXXIX. xliv. 1052. The Censors by proclamation commaunded those to avoid farre from the subhastation, who had disanulled the former leases and bargains.
1625. Donne, Serm. (1626), 20. For that blasphemy then was David sold, under a dangerous sub-hastation.
1686. Burnet, Trav., i. 10. The way of selling Estates, which is likewise practised in Switserland, and is called Subhastation.
