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.]

1. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses. [1913 Webster]

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. [1913 Webster]

3. Hence: [Fig.]

The public denunciation or punishment of a person who has offended the prevailing authorities. [PJC]

4. A session of the court of Inquisition. [1913 Webster]

Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
 

auto-da-fe

Source: WordNet (r) 2.0
 

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.]

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. A session of the court of Inquisition.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)