chiromancy

American  

[kahy-ruh-man-see] / ˈkaɪ rəˌmæn si /

noun

1. palmistry.

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chiromancy British  

/ ˈkaɪrəˌmænsɪ /

noun

1. another word for palmistry

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• chiromantic
  adjective
• chiromancer
  noun
• chiromantical
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of chiromancy

First recorded in 1520–30; chiro- + -mancy

Explanation

Chiromancy, or palmistry, is the art of reading palms to tell someone’s future. If you are in doubt about your future prom date or business venture, let chiromancy be your guide. If you like astrology and tarot cards, you might be interested in chiromancy, which involves looking at a person’s palms to determine their destiny. Chiromancy is a form of fortune-telling, and chiromancers look closely at the different lines on your palm to make predictions about your career, love life, and happiness. This is a rare word for what is usually called palmistry or palm-reading these days.

Example Sentences

Chiromancy, from the most remote periods, has been practised in all countries.

From The Zincali: an account of the gypsies of Spain by Borrow, George Henry

Chiromancy at Gavr'inis In connexion with the great sepulchral monument of Gavr'inis a very curious observation was made by M. Albert Maitre, an inspector of the Musée des Antiquités Nationales.

From Myths & Legends of the Celtic Race by Rolleston, T. W. (Thomas William)

Chiromancy maybe delusion or not—it matters but little; here we are concerned with the great moral truth that underlies this distinction.

From Wisdom and Destiny by Sutro, Alfred

Chiromancy is a most dangerous science, and one that ought not to be encouraged, except in a 't�te-�-t�te.'

From Miscellaneous Aphorisms; The Soul of Man by Wilde, Oscar

Professor of the Sciences of Chiromancy and Chirognomy.

From The Gay Lord Quex A Comedy in Four Acts by Pinero, Arthur Wing, Sir