noun a session of the court of inquisition.
2. auto-da-fe ·noun a judgment of the inquisition in spain and portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
3. auto-da-fe ·noun an execution of such sentence, by the civil power, ·esp. the burning of a heretic. it was usually held on sunday, and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms and ceremonies.