hydromancy

[ hahy-druh-man-see ]

noun

1. divination by means of the motions or appearance of water.

hydromancy

/ ˈhaɪdrəʊˌmænsɪ /

noun

1. divination by water

Derived Forms

• ˈhydroˌmancer, noun
• ˌhydroˈmantic, adjective

Other Words From

• hydro·mancer noun
• hydro·mantic adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of hydromancy¹

1585–95; earlier hydromantie, -cie (< Middle French ) ≪ Late Greek hydromanteía divination by water; replacing Middle English ydromancye < Middle French ydromancie < L. See hydro- ¹, -mancy

Example Sentences

Hydromancy, divination by water, in which the diviner showed the figure of an absent person.

From Project Gutenberg

How many that are for hydromancy, that pretend in water to show men mighty mysteries?

From Project Gutenberg

The sixth is named hydromancy, as when a demon teaches anything by appearances in the water.

From Project Gutenberg

This mode of divining is perhaps one of the most ancient superstitions that have descended to us, and was termed Hydromancy.

From Project Gutenberg