alectryomancy
noun
alec·try·o·man·cy
\ə-ˈlek-trē-ō-ˌman(t)-sē\
variants: or
alectoromancy
\ə-ˈlek-tə-rō-ˌman(t)-sē\Definition of alectryomancy
-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, pluralalectryomancers
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, 2008Read the Latest from M-W
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Origin and Etymology of alectryomancy
Greek alektryōn or alektōr cock + English -mancy
First Known Use: 1652
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