belomancy

[ bel-uh-man-see ]

noun

1. divination using arrows drawn at random from a quiver or other holder.

Word History and Origins

Origin of belomancy¹

1640–50; < Greek bélo ( s ) arrow, dart + -mancy

Example Sentences

Belomancy, in use among the Arabs, was practised by means of arrows, which were shot off, with written labels attached to them; and the inscription on the arrow first picked up was accepted as prophetic.

From Project Gutenberg

Belomancy, bel′o-man-si, n. a kind of divination by means of arrows.

From Project Gutenberg

Among modes of divination were: axinomancy, by axes; belomancy, by arrows; bibliomancy, by the Bible; oneiromancy, by dreams; pyromancy, by fire; hydromancy, by water; coscinomancy, by observing the results of the turning of a sieve hung on a thread.

From Project Gutenberg

Belomancy was a kind of divination by arrows, practised among various nations in the East, but chiefly among the Arabians.

From Project Gutenberg

Associated words: barb, ouabain, sagittal, sagittary, quiver, sheaf, belomancy. arrowhead, n.

From Project Gutenberg