Dictionary entry

Hara-kiri

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ha″ra–ki′ri (ha̤″ra̤‐kē′rĭ), n. Suicide, by slashing the abdomen, formerly practiced in Japan, and commanded by the government in the cases of disgraced officials; disembowelment; — also written, but incorrectly, hari-kari. W. E. Griffis.