indiction

noun

in·​dic·​tion in-ˈdik-shən How to pronounce indiction (audio)
: a 15-year cycle used as a chronological unit in several ancient and medieval systems

Word History

Etymology

Middle English indiccion, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin indiction-, indictio, from Latin, proclamation, from indicere to proclaim, from in- + dicere to say — more at diction

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of indiction was in the 14th century

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Cite this Entry

“Indiction.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/indiction. Accessed 5 Jul. 2026.

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