sortilege

noun

sor·​ti·​lege ˈsȯr-tə-lij How to pronounce sortilege (audio)
-ˌlej
1
: divination by lots
2

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Medieval Latin sortilegium, from Latin sortilegus foretelling, from sort-, sors lot + -i- + legere to gather — more at legend

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of sortilege was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near sortilege

Cite this Entry

“Sortilege.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sortilege. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

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