Definition of: ordeal

(ôr·dēl′, -dē′əl, ôr′dēl) noun
1. A severe test of character or endurance; a trying course of experience.
2. A medieval form of judicial trial in which the accused was subjected to physical tests, as carrying or walking over burning objects or immersing the hand in scalding water, the result being considered a divine judgment of guilt or innocence. See synonyms under PROOF. [OE ordāl, ordēl a judgment <or- out + dǣl a deal; infl. in meaning by L ordela an ordeal <Gmc.]