The clearing of one's self from a crime of which one was
   publicly suspected and accused. It was either canonical, which was
   prescribed by the canon law, the form whereof used in the spiritual
   court was, that the person suspected take his oath that he was clear of
   the matter objected against him, and bring his honest neighbors with
   him to make oath that they believes he swore truly; or vulgar, which
   was by fire or water ordeal, or by combat. See Ordeal.