ordeal

A difficult or painful experience, especially one that severely tests character or endurance. synonym: trial.

A method of trial in which the accused was subjected to pain or danger as a means of invoking God’s intercession, with the outcome regarded as revealing a divine determination of guilt or innocence.

A form of trial to determine guilt or innocence, formerly practised in Europe, and still in parts of the East and by various savage tribes.

A severe trial; trying circumstances; a severe test of courage, endurance, patience, etc.

Synonyms Proof, experiment, touchstone.

Pertaining to trial by ordeal.

Of or pertaining to trial by ordeal.

An ancient form of test to determine guilt or innocence, by appealing to a supernatural decision, — once common in Europe, and still practiced in the East and by savage tribes.

Any severe trial, or test; a painful experience.

See Calabar bean, under Calabar.