indiction

Meaning

Noun

• A fiscal period of fifteen years, instituted by Constantine in 313 (but counting from 1st September 312), used throughout the Middle Ages as a way of dating events, documents etc.
• A declaration or official announcement.
• The decree made by Roman emperors which fixed the property tax for the next fifteen years.

Origin

• From Old French indiction or its source, Latin indictiōnem, accusative singular of indictiō, from indicere, present active infinitive of indicō.