haruspicy
|ha-rus-pi-cy|
/həˈrʌspɪsi/
divination by examining entrails
Etymology
'haruspicy' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'haruspicia', where 'haruspex' meant 'one who examines entrails'.
'haruspicy' changed from Latin 'haruspicia' (used in Classical and Medieval Latin) and entered English via Medieval or early modern scholarly usage, eventually becoming the modern English word 'haruspicy'.
Initially, it meant 'the practice or art of reading entrails', and over time it has retained that specialized meaning in English.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
divination by inspecting the entrails (especially the liver) of sacrificed animals to determine the will of the gods.
In ancient Rome, haruspicy was performed by priests who examined animal livers to interpret omens.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/10/11 22:10