auto-da-fe, Au·to-da-fé n.; pl. Autos-da-fé
 1. A judgment of the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal condemning or acquitting persons accused of religious offenses.
 2. An execution of such sentence, by the civil power, esp. the burning of a heretic.  It was usually held on Sunday, and was made a great public solemnity by impressive forms and ceremonies.
 4. A session of the court of Inquisition.

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 auto-da-fe
      n : the burning to death of heretics (as during the Spanish
          Inquisition)
      [also: autos-da-fe (pl)]