\Pur*ga"tion\, n. [L. purgatio: cf. F. purgation. See
{Purge}.]
1. The act of purging; the act of clearing, cleansing, or
   putifying, by separating and carrying off impurities, or
   whatever is superfluous; the evacuation of the bowels.
2. (Law) The clearing of one's self from a crime of which one
   was publicly suspected and accused. It was either
   canonical, which was prescribed by the canon law, the form
   whereof used in the spiritual court was, that the person
   suspected take his oath that he was clear of the matter
   objected against him, and bring his honest neighbors with
   him to make oath that they believes he swore truly; or
   vulgar, which was by fire or water ordeal, or by combat.
   See {Ordeal}. --Wharton.
         Let him put me to my purgation.       --Shak.