Dec·i·mate v. t. [imp. & p. p. Decimated p. pr. & vb. n. Decimating ]
1. To take the tenth part of; to tithe.
2. To select by lot and punish with death every tenth man of; as, to decimate a regiment as a punishment for mutiny.
3. To destroy a considerable part of; as, to decimate an army in battle; to decimate a people by disease.
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