Bloodletting
the act or practice of letting blood by opening a vein; phlebotomy.
bloodshed or slaughter.
bloodbath.
Informal. severe cutbacks or reduction in personnel, appropriations, etc.:
The company went through a period of bloodletting in the 1970s.
Contemporary Examples
Meghan McCain: Is It Too Late for Mitt Romney and Republicans? Meghan McCain April 5, 2012
In Syria, Europe & Boston, the Past Is Never Finished Kati Marton May 10, 2013
GOP’s Fight Night October 18, 2011
Despite Massacre, Chávez Fueling Friendship With Syria Mac Margolis June 5, 2012
The Danger of Syria Intervention Christopher Dickey August 15, 2012
Historical Examples
Journals of Travels in Assam, Burma, Bhootan, Afghanistan and The William Griffith
With Wellington in Spain F. S. Brereton
Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology Audrey Davis
L-bas J. K. Huysmans
Bloodletting Instruments in the National Museum of History and Technology Audrey Davis
blood’let’ter n.
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