Dec`i*ma"tion (?), n. [L. decimatio: cf. F. d'ecimation.]

1.

A tithing.

[Obs.]

State Trials (1630).

2.

A selection of every tenth person by lot, as for punishment.

Shak.

3.

The destruction of any large proportion, as of people by pestilence or war.

Milman.

 

© Webster 1913.