Hypertext Webster Gateway: "martyrdom"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Martyrdom \Mar"tyr*dom\, n. [Martyr + -dom.]
1. The condition of a martyr; the death of a martyr; the
suffering of death on account of adherence to the
Christian faith, or to any cause. --Bacon.
I came from martyrdom unto this peace. --Longfellow.
2. Affliction; torment; torture. --Chaucer.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
martyrdom
n 1: death that is imposed because of the person's adherence of a
religious faith or cause
2: any experience that causes intense suffering [syn: {calvary}]
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