vindĭcātĭo, ōnis, f. [vindico].
I In jurid. lang., a laying claim to a thing, a civil action or lawsuit for a thing, Gai Inst. 2, 24; 4, 16 sq.; Dig. 44, 7, 24; cf.: De rei vindicatione, Dig. 6, tit. 1: intestatorum civium concessam vindicationem bonorum adfirmare, Traj. ap. Plin. Ep. 10, 88.—
II A taking into protection , a protection , defence , vindication: an avenging , punishment of an offence: vindicatio est, per quam vim et contumeliam defendendo aut ulciscendo propulsamus a nobis et a nostris, qui nobis esse cari debent: et per quam peccata punimus, Cic. Inv. 2, 22, 66; 2, 53, 161.