[ pə:'geɪʃ(ə)n ]
■ noun
1》 purification.
↘(in Catholic doctrine) the spiritual cleansing of a soul in purgatory.
2》 historical the action of clearing oneself of accusation or suspicion by an oath or ordeal.
3》 evacuation of the bowels brought about by laxatives.
Origin
ME: from OFr. purgacion , from L. purgatio(n-) , from purgare (see purge ).