Ostracize

created by Webster 1913
(idea) by Gorgonzola (5.8 hr) (print)   (I like it!) 1 C! Sat Jul 15 2000 at 3:06:17
The name "Ostracize" comes from the Ostrakon, literally a broken piece of pottery, which each voter had, and upon which he1 would write the name of the person he wished to banish. The person whose name appeared on the most Ostrakonoi would be banished for a year.
1Only free males were allowed to participate in Athenian "Democracy".
(definition) by Webster 1913 (print) Wed Dec 22 1999 at 1:39:33

Os"tra*cize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Ostracized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Ostracizing (?).] [Gr. , fr. a tile, a tablet used in voting, a shell; cf. oyster, bone. Cf. Osseous, Oyster.]

1. Gr. Antiq.

To exile by ostracism; to banish by a popular vote, as at Athens.

Grote.

2.

To banish from society; to put under the ban; to cast out from social, political, or private favor; as, he was ostracized by his former friends.

Marvell.

 

© Webster 1913.

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