%decimate%

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Decimated p. pr. & vb. n. Decimating ] [ L. decimatus, p. p. of decimare to decimate (in senses 1 & 2), fr. decimus tenth. See Decimal. ] 1. To take the tenth part of; to tithe. Johnson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. To select by lot and punish with death every tenth man of; as, to decimate a regiment as a punishment for mutiny. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. To destroy a considerable part of; as, to decimate an army in battle; to decimate a people by disease. [ 1913 Webster ]