auto-da-fe
auto-da-fe ({not transcribed}) , noun
[Portuguese, act of the faith; auto act, from Latin actus + da of the + fé faith, from Latin fides.]
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. [Figurative]
4.
A session of the court of Inquisition.