apotomy (apotomi)

Same as apotome. a pot reps is (ap-o-trep's is), n. [NL., + -ic.] Po e ing the property of an apo trop a i on; having the reputed power of averting evil influences. The sacrifice [to Mars] of the "October horse," in the Campus Martius,... had also a naturalistic and apotro paic character. Encyc. Brit., XV. 570, catures of any other nature also did duty as apotropaia.