The maledictory psalms

The term sailm escaine (psalms of malediction) refers to a cursus of twenty psalms, chanted one per day for nearly three weeks as a way of consigning a malefactor to disgrace, short life, and eternal damnation. In form and intent, this imprecatory ritual is similar to the one prescribed for lawful satire in that it provides ample opportunity for the intended victim to agree to a settlement before the rite is brought to completion.