The Collaborative International Dictionary
Auto-da-f'e
auto-da-fe \auto-da-fe\, ||Auto-da-f'e \Au"to-da-f['e]"\, n.; pl. Autos-da-f['e]. [Pg., act of the faith; auto act, fr. L. actus + da of the + f['e] faith, fr. L. fides.]
A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
An execution of such sentence, by the civil power, esp. the burning of a heretic. It was usually held on Sunday, and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms and ceremonies.
A session of the court of Inquisition. [1913 Webster] ||