'Petalism' definitions:
Definition of 'Petalism'
From: GCIDE
- Petalism \Pet"al*ism\ (p[e^]t"al*[i^]z'm), n. [Gr. petalismo`s, fr. pe`talon a leaf: cf. F. p['e]talisme.] (Gr. Antiq.) 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]