auto-da-fé

CIDE DICTIONARY

auto-da-fé, n. [Pg., act of the faith; auto act, fr. L. actus + da of the + fé faith, fr. L. fides.].

•  A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.  [1913 Webster]
•  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.  [1913 Webster]
•  A session of the court of Inquisition.  [1913 Webster]