Ŏs'tra-cĭsm, n.
n. [Fr. ostracisme, It. & Sp. ostra-cismo, Gr. ὀστρακισμός, from ὄστρακον, burnt clay, a tile, a tablet used in voting, a shell.]
- (Gr. Antiq.) Banishment, by the people of Athens, of a person whose merit and influence gave umbrage to them. It takes this name from the shell or tablet on which the name or the note of acquittal or condemnation was written.
- Banishment; expulsion; separation.
Sentenced to a perpetual ostracism from the esteem, and confidence, and honors, and emoluments of his country. Hamilton.