alfet

noun1

1. •
   (historical) A cauldron of boiling water into which an accused person plunged his forearm, used as a form of trial in Medieval England.

   • ALFET, antiently signified the Cauldron in which boiling Water was put, for the Accused to plunge his Hand in up to the Elbow, by way of Trial of Purgation. — 1728