/awr deel", -dee"euhl, awr"deel/ , n.
1. any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.
2. a primitive form of trial to determine guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to fire, poison, or other serious danger, the result being regarded as a divine or preternatural judgment.
[ bef. 950; ME ordal, OE ordal; c. D oordeel, G Urteil. See A- 3 , DOLE 1 ]