A.cleansing, purification, from guilt, “νίψαι καθαρμῷ τήνδε τὴν στέγην” S.OT1228: hence, purificatory offering, atonement, expiation, “καθαρμὸν τῆς χώρης ποιέεσθαί τινα” Hdt.7.197: freq. in pl., “μύσος ἐλαύνειν καθαρμοῖς” A.Ch.968 (lyr., dub. l.), cf. Th. 738, Eu.277, 283, Berl.Sitzb.1927.156 (Cyrene): sg., S.OT99; θοῦ νῦν καθαρμὸν δαιμόνων make an offering to avert their wrath, Id.OC466; “καθαρμὸν θύειν” E.IT1332; “λύσεις τε καὶ καθαρμοὶ ἀδικημάτων” Pl.R. 364e; ὁ περὶ τὴν διάνοιαν κ. Id.Sph.227c; κ. ποιεῖσθαι τῆς δυνάμεως, Lat. lustrare exercitum, Plb.21.41.9, Plu.Caes.43; of the Roman lustrum, D.H.4.22; κ. ὅπλων, σάλπιγγος,= Lat. armilustrium, tubilustrium, Lyd.Mens.4.34,60.
2. purificatory rite of initiation into mysteries, Pl.Phd.69c, Phdr.244e; “ἀνιστὰς ἀπὸ τοῦ καθαρμοῦ” D.18.259, cf. Plu.2.47a: hence in pl., as title of poem by Empedocles, Ath.14.620d; by Epimenides, Suid. s.h.v.
3. purgation by ordeal, PMag.Lond.46.180,196.
II. purging, evacuation, discharge, Arist.HA587b1, Plu.2.134d.
2. metaph., purge, clearance of unhealthy animals, Pl.Lg.735b.