belomancy

American

[bel-uh-man-see] / ˈbɛl əˌmæn si /

noun

divination using arrows drawn at random from a quiver or other holder.

Etymology

Origin of belomancy

1640–50; < Greek bélo ( s ) arrow, dart + -mancy

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Belomancy, in use among the Arabs, was practised by means of arrows, which were shot off, with written labels attached to them; and the inscription on the arrow first picked up was accepted as prophetic.

From Project Gutenberg

Belomancy, bel′o-man-si, n. a kind of divination by means of arrows.

From Project Gutenberg

Among modes of divination were: axinomancy, by axes; belomancy, by arrows; bibliomancy, by the Bible; oneiromancy, by dreams; pyromancy, by fire; hydromancy, by water; coscinomancy, by observing the results of the turning of a sieve hung on a thread.

From Project Gutenberg

Belomancy was a kind of divination by arrows, practised among various nations in the East, but chiefly among the Arabians.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: barb, ouabain, sagittal, sagittary, quiver, sheaf, belomancy. arrowhead, n.

From Project Gutenberg

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023