In Saxon law. A preliminary or preparatory oath, (called also “prcejuramentum,” and “juramentum calumnies,”) which both the accuser and accused were required to make before any trial or purgation; the accuser swearing that he would prosecute the criminal, and the accused making oath on the very day that he was to undergo the ordeal that he was innocent of the crime with which he was charged. Whishaw.