Cursed Bread

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Cursed Bread

Used in ancient times for divination or "ordeal by flour or bread." A piece of bread, about an ounce in weight, over which a spell had been cast, was administered to the suspected person. If it caused sickness or choking, the person was said to be guilty; if not, he or she was regarded as innocent. Barley bread was often used for this form of divination, since it was more likely to cause choking. This method of trial was practiced among the Anglo-Saxons.