1. plural of bloodletting; the surgical removal of blood from a patient, historically used as a medical treatment
Usage: archaic medical practice; now considered ineffective and harmful
2. plural of bloodletting; violent conflict or loss of life; bloodshed
Usage: figurative use

Examples

• Medieval physicians believed bloodlettings could cure many diseases.
• The repeated bloodlettings weakened the patient rather than helping him.
• The war resulted in terrible bloodlettings on both sides.
• The conflict led to unnecessary bloodlettings that devastated the region.
• Historians now recognize that bloodlettings were a misguided medical practice.
• The treaty aimed to prevent further bloodlettings between the rival nations.