SermonStudio

In ancient Greece, a method was developed to handle a dangerous or unpopular citizen considered to be a menace to that state. The citizens would assemble to vote by casting an "ostrakon," a piece of pottery. Those who were in favor of condemning the public menace to leave the country voted by writing the condemned man's name on the ostrakon. From that practice has come our word ostracize, meaning to shut out from society, favor, or privileges.