Noun
a primitive method of determining a person's guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to dangerous or painful tests believed to be under divine control; escape was usually taken as a sign of innocence
Source: WordNetHyams, P. 'Trial by ordeal: the key to proof in the early common law' in Arnold, M.S. et al. Source: Internet
Trial by ordeal is practiced in various parts of Liberia. Source: Internet