n. [ L. expiatio: cf.F. expiation ] 1. The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty. [ 1913 Webster ] His liberality seemed to have something in it of self-abasement and expiation. W. Irving. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an atonement. [ 1913 Webster ] Those shadowy expiations weak,
The blood of bulls and goats. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. An act by which the threats of prodigies were averted among the ancient heathen. [ Obs. ] Hayward. [ 1913 Webster ] | 