Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Corsned

Cors′ned

(kôrs′nĕd)
,
Noun.
[AS.
corsnǣd
.]
(AS. Laws)
The morsel of execration; a species of ordeal consisting in the eating of a piece of bread consecrated by imprecation. If the suspected person ate it freely, he was pronounced innocent; but if it stuck in his throat, it was considered as a proof of his guilt.
Burril.

Webster 1828 Edition


Corsned

CORSNED

,
Noun.
The morsel of execration, or curse; a piece of bread consecrated by exorcism, and to be swallowed by a suspected person, as a trial of his innocence. If guilty, it was supposed the bread would produce convulsions and paleness, and find no passage. If innocent, it was believed it would turn to nourishment.