E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Act of Faith (auto da fé),
in Spain, is a day set apart by the Inquisition for the punishment of heretics, and the absolution of those who renounce their heretical doctrines. The sentence of the Inquisition is also so called; and so is the ceremony of burning, or otherwise torturing the condemned.
