purgāmentum, i, n. [purgo].
I What is swept or washed off , sweepings , offscourings , filth , dirt : cloacam maximam, receptaculum omnium purgamentorum urbis, Liv. 1, 56: hortorum, Tac. A. 11, 32: cenae in pavimento, Plin. 36, 25, 60, § 184: ceparum, id. 20, 5, 20, § 41: oris, Sen. Const. 2 fin. : sanguinis, Plin. 11, 37, 74, § 192.—As a term of reproach, refuse , dregs , filth , offscouring , outcast , Petr. 74; Curt. 6, 11, 2; 10, 2, 7: purgamenta pro frugibus creat humus palustris, weeds , Sen. Ep. 73, 16.—
B Transf., washings , that which is washed up : purgamenta freti aestuantis, i.e. pearls , Col. 8, 9, 19: tanquam purgamenta hujus mundi, Vulg. 1 Cor. 4, 13.—
II A means of purgation , purification , or expiation , an expiatory sacrifice , Petr. 134, 1.