planchette

[ plan-shet, -chet ]

noun

1. a small, heart-shaped board supported by two casters and a pencil or stylus that, when moved across a surface by the light, unguided pressure of the fingertips, is supposed to trace meaningful patterns or written messages revealing subconscious thoughts, psychic phenomena, clairvoyant messages, etc.

planchette

/ plɑːnˈʃɛt /

noun

1. a heart-shaped board on wheels, on which messages are written under supposed spirit guidance

Word History and Origins

Origin of planchette¹

From French, dating back to 1855–60; planch, -ette

Word History and Origins

Origin of planchette¹

C19: from French: little board, from planche plank ¹

Example Sentences

Like its characters crafting a planchette out of lipstick and a phone case, “Seance” mashes ideas together and hopes for the best.

From New York Times

He ventured into the occult—organizing séances and planchette sessions at home, or meeting his friends to meditate at a crematorium at night.

From Literature

She seems to drift, like the planchette on a Ouija board.

From New York Times

But as a teenager — bored, lonely, with a vague taste for the occult — I read tarot cards and messed around with Ouija boards, mortified when the planchette would glide toward some crush’s name.

From New York Times

Near the end of “Overthrow,” an executive at “Planchette” — Crain’s riff on the shadowy analytics firm Palantir — envisions a future where “no gesture goes unnoticed,” and “tactful” surveillance fits like a glove.

From New York Times