Definition:Decimate/Historical Note
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Definition
The origin of the word decimate dates from the time of the Roman empire.
On occasion, the troops were judged to have acquitted themselves in battle inadequately, in particular showing cowardice.
When this happened, they were lined up, and every $10$th man was picked out for summary execution.
This procedure was known as decimation.
Sources
- 1992: David Wells: Curious and Interesting Puzzles ... (previous) ... (next): The Josephus Problem