auto-da-fe

pl. Autos-da-fé

1. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
2. 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.
3. The public denunciation or punishment of a person who has offended the prevailing authorities. [Fig.]
4. A session of the court of Inquisition.