water witching

American  

noun

1. the supposed discovering of subterranean streams by means of a divining rod.

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Etymology

Origin of water witching

An Americanism dating back to 1875–80

Example Sentences

The National Ground Water Association, a group of experts, including hydrogeologists, that promotes responsible water use, describes water witching as “totally without scientific merit.”

From New York Times

Dousing, or water witching as it is known in America, has no basis in scientific fact.

From Economist

He was demonstrating dowsing, also called water witching, the old folk art of using a sixth sense and a stick to detect underground water sources.

From Washington Times