ˌpərˈgāshən, pə̄ˈg-, pəiˈg- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Middle English purgacioun, from Middle French purgation, from Latin purgation-, purgatio, from purgatus (past participle of purgare to cleanse) + -ion-, -io -ion — more at purge
1.
a. : the act of purging ; specifically : vigorous evacuation of the bowels (as from the action of a purgative or an infective agent)
b. : administration of or treatment with a purgative
c. obsolete : menstruation
2. : ceremonial cleansing : purification
3.
a. : moral or spiritual purification : destruction of the influences of sin : a freeing from moral evil
b. : the first stage in a mystic's progress to perfection consisting of conscious moral purification by self-discipline, subjugation of distracting desires, ascetic practices, and similar measures — called also purgative way
4. : the clearing of oneself from alleged guilt
let him put me to my purgation — Shakespeare
— see canonical purgation , vulgar purgation