The archaic practice of treating illness by removing some blood, believed to be tainted, from the stricken person.
The diminishment of any resource with the hope that this will lead to a positive effect.
A circumstance, such as a battle, where a large amount of blood is likely to be spilled through violence.
A search for people believed to be using sorcery or harmful magic, typically in order to persecute or punish them.
A public or political campaign or investigation which smears a person or group.
An attempt to find and punish or harass a group of people perceived as a threat, usually on ideological or political grounds.
To perform a witch-hunt.