-mancy

American  

1. a combining form meaning “divination,” of the kind specified by the initial element.

   necromancy.

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-mancy British  

combining form

1. indicating divination of a particular kind

   chiromancy

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Usage

What does -mancy mean? The combining form -mancy is used like a suffix meaning “divination,” a term that refers to "the practice of attempting to foretell future events or discover hidden knowledge by occult or supernatural means." It is occasionally used in technical terms, especially in theology. The form -mancy comes from Greek manteía, meaning “divination,” which in turn ultimately derives from mántis, meaning “prophet.” Find out how the insect praying mantis is related at our entry for the word.

Etymology

Origin of -mancy

Middle English -manci ( e ), -mancy ( e ) < Old French -mancie < Latin -mantīa < Greek manteía divination. See mantic, -cy