n. [ Gr. 'ostrakismo`s, fr. 'ostraki`zein to ostracize. See Ostracize. ] 1. (Gr. Antiq.) Banishment by popular vote, -- a means adopted at Athens to rid the city of a person whose talent and influence gave umbrage. [ 1913 Webster ]
2. Banishment; exclusion; as, social ostracism. [ 1913 Webster ]
Public envy is as an ostracism, that eclipseth men when they grow too great. Bacon. [ 1913 Webster ]
Sentenced to a perpetual ostracism from the . . . confidence, and honors, and emoluments of his country. A. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ]