Ex`pi*a"tion (?), n. [L. expiatio: cf.F. expiation]
1.
The act of making satisfaction or atonement for any crime or fault; the extinguishing of guilt by suffering or penalty.
His liberality seemed to have something in it of self-abasement and expiation.
W. Irving.
2.
The means by which reparation or atonement for crimes or sins is made; an expiatory sacrifice or offering; an atonement.
Those shadowy expiations weak,
The blood of bulls and goats.
Milton.
3.
An act by which the treats of prodigies were averted among the ancient heathen.
[Obs.]
Hayward.
© Webster 1913.