Crimination \Crim`i*na"tion\ (kr?m`?-n?"sh?n), n. [L.
   criminatio.]
   The act of accusing; accusation; charge; complaint.
   [1913 Webster]

         The criminations and recriminations of the adverse
         parties.                                 --Macaulay.
   [1913 Webster]

CRIMINATION. The act by which a party accused, is proved to be guilty. 
     2. It is a rule, founded in common sense, that no one is bound to 
criminate himself. A witness may refuse to answer a question, when the 
answer would criminate him, and subject him to punishment. And a party in 
equity is not bound to answer a bill, when the answer would form a step in 
the prosecution. Coop. Eq. Pl. 204; Mitf. Eq. Pl. by Jeremy, 194; Story, 
Eq,. Pl. Sec. 591; 14 Ves. 59.