Ordeal

or·deal [awr-deel, -dee-uhl, awr-deel]
noun
1. any extremely severe or trying test, experience, or trial.
2. a primitive form of trial to determine guilt or innocence by subjecting the accused person to fire, poison, or other serious danger, the result being regarded as a divine or preternatural judgment.

Origin: before 950; Middle English ordal, Old English ordāl; cognate with Dutch oordeel, German Urteil.