'anthracomancy' originates from Greek, specifically the words 'anthrax' and 'manteia', where 'anthrax' meant 'coal' and 'manteia' meant 'divination'.

'anthracomancy' changed from Medieval Latin/Old French compound forms (e.g. Latinized or French-influenced '*anthracomantia/*anthracomancie') and eventually became the modern English word 'anthracomancy' through formation by combining the Greek roots.

Initially, it meant 'divination using coal or ashes', and this meaning has remained essentially the same in modern usage.