D defs.my
Entry 1 sense Webster, 1913

Petalism

/(pĕt"al*ĭz'm)/ · Pet·al·ism · IPA /ˈpɛtəlɪz(ə)m/
01 n. A form of sentence among the ancient Syracusans by which they banished for five years a citizen suspected of having dangerous influence or …
  1. 1.
    A form of sentence among the ancient Syracusans by which they banished for five years a citizen suspected of having dangerous influence or ambition. It was similar to the ostracism in Athens; but olive leaves were used instead of shells for ballots.(Gr. Antiq.)