hecatomb noun & verb. ['hɛkǝtu:m] L16.
[Latin hecatombe from Greek hekatombē, from hekaton hundred + bous ox.]
A. noun.
1. A great public sacrifice, strictly of a hundred oxen, among the ancient Greeks and Romans; gen. a religious sacrifice; a large number of animals set apart for sacrifice. L16.

2. transf. & fig. A sacrifice of many victims. L16.
■ T. Parnell A hecatomb of reputations was that day to fall for her pleasure.
b. verb trans. Provide with a hecatomb. rare. M18.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲