Vicesimation

Quick meaning: Vicesimation is a noun meaning (rare) The destruction of one-twentieth of something; especially, the killing or putting to death of every twentieth person, especially by lot.

Meaning

(rare) The destruction of one-twentieth of something; especially, the killing or putting to death of every twentieth person, especially by lot.

Example Sentences

The common prisoners…were ordered to cast lots for every twentieth man to be tried, as a sort of vicesimation.

We must change the numerator of our fraction.…If one must have the precise fractional term in “ation,” and the loss is one in five, let him coin the word quintation…if one in twenty, vicesimation.

Word Forms

• vicesimations

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include vigesimation, decimation, liquidation, vaticide, guillotinement, slaughter.

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