Dictionary entry

Ostracism

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Os″tra‐cism (?), n. [Gr. οστρακισμὄσ, fr. οστρακἴζειν to ostracize. See Ostracize.] 1. (Gr. Antiq.) Banishment by popular vote, — a means adopted at Athens to rid the city of a person whose talent and influence gave umbrage.

2. Banishment; exclusion; as, social ostracism.

Public envy is as an ostracism, that eclipseth men when they grow too great. Bacon.

Sentenced to a perpetual ostracism from the... confidence, and honors, and emoluments of his country. A. Hamilton.