What is "alfet"

Alfet \Al"fet\, n. [LL. alfetum, fr. AS. [=a]lf[ae]t a pot to boil in; [=a]l burning + f[ae]t vat.] A caldron of boiling water into which an accused person plunged his forearm as a test of innocence or guilt. [1913 Webster] ||

n. (context obsolete English) A cauldron of boiling water into which an accused person plunged his forearm as a test of innocence or guilt.

An alfet (, "fire vat") was an ancient cauldron filled with boiling water, into which an accused person was to plunge his arm up to his elbow. The arm and hand were then bound and left for three days. If the wound was found to have begun to heal cleanly the person was judged to be innocent. However, if the scald was infected or unhealed, the victim was held to be guilty. It was also used for purgation.