E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Cors’ned
means the “cursed mouthful.” It was a piece of bread “consecrated for exorcism,” and given to a person to swallow as a test of his guilt. The words of “consecration” were, “May this morsel cause convulsions and find no passage if the accused is guilty, but turn to wholesome nourishment if he is innocent.” (Saxon, corse, curse; snœd, mouthful.) (See CHOKE.)
