fumigation

[Cf. F. fumigation.]

1. The act of fumigating, or applying smoke or vapor, as for disinfection.

2. Vapor raised in the process of fumigating.

In meteorology, polluted air may be trapped beneath an inversion. Plumes of air may then rise because of convection, causing downdraughts which return the polluted air to ground level.

One of the most important rites during the exorcism of an evil spirit appears to have been the fumigation of the victim, and for this various prescriptions were given throughout occult history. If it was found difficult to dislodge the demon, a picture of him would sometimes be drawn, which was to be thrown into a fire after having been "signed with the cross, sprinkled with holy water, and fumigated."

At other times if the evil spirit refused to give his name the exorcist would fumigate the possessed person. The recipe for fumigation included such substances as asafoetida, sulphur, and salt. Fumigation was sometimes enhanced by flagellation.

The noun has one meaning:

Meaning #1: the application of a gas or smoke to something for the purpose of disinfecting it