petalism

top

CIDE DICTIONARY

petalism, n. [Gr. , fr. a leaf: cf. F. pétalisme.].

A form of sentence among the ancient Syracusans by which they banished for five years a citizen suspected of having dangerous influence or ambition. It was similar to the ostracism in Athens; but olive leaves were used instead of shells for ballots. [1913 Webster]

For further exploring for "petalism" in Webster Dictionary Online