'axinomancy' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'axine' (meaning 'axe') and 'manteia' (meaning 'prophecy' or 'divination').

'axinomancy' is a learned formation combining Greek roots (axine + manteia); the compound appears in English as a specialized term for a form of divination, formed via New Latin/modern coinage of classical elements rather than from a direct inherited Old English word.

Initially, it meant 'prophecy or divination using an axe', and this specific sense has largely been retained; the term has always referred to that rare, specialized practice.