alectryomancy

noun

alec·​try·​o·​man·​cy
ə-ˈlek-trē-ō-ˌman(t)-sē
variants or alectoromancy
ə-ˈlek-tə-rō-ˌman(t)-sē
plural -es
: divination by means of a cock encircled by grains of corn placed on the letters of the alphabet which are then put together in the order in which the grains were eaten
alectryomancer
ə-ˈlek-trē-ō-ˌman(t)-sər
noun
plural alectryomancers
The alectryomancers knew how to tap the power of the living chicken. A temple priest would scribe a circle on the ground, mark the letters of the alphabet around it, and place a kernel of corn on each letter. Bob Sheasley, Home to Roost, 2008

Word History

Etymology

Greek alektryōn or alektōr cock + English -mancy

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of alectryomancy was in 1652

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Cite this Entry

“Alectryomancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/alectryomancy. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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