divination
[div-uh-ney-shuh n]
- the practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means.
- augury; prophecy: The divination of the high priest was fulfilled.
- perception by intuition; instinctive foresight.
Show More
Origin of divination
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for divinatory
Historical Examples
It appears to me just as teleologic and divinatory as those I have previously named.
An Ethnologist's View of HistoryDaniel G. Brinton
In its divinatory rôle it has often been connected with astrology.
Introduction to the History of ReligionsCrawford Howell Toy
The divinatory meanings follow, and then the modes of operation.
The Illustrated Key to the TarotL. W. de Laurence
The belief in the sacredness or divinity of the human body has led to the search for divinatory signs in its parts.
Introduction to the History of ReligionsCrawford Howell Toy
The use of divinatory methods, with whatsoever intention and for whatever purpose, carries with it two suggestions.
The Illustrated Key to the TarotL. W. de Laurence
divination
- the art, practice, or gift of discerning or discovering future events or unknown things, as though by supernatural powers
- a prophecy
- a presentiment or guess
Show More
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Word Origin and History for divinatory
divination
n.
late 14c., from Old French divination (13c.), from Latin divinationem (nominative divinatio) "the power of foreseeing, prediction," noun of action from past participle stem of divinare, literally "to be inspired by a god" (see divine (adj.)).
Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper