'pyromancy' originates from Greek, specifically the elements 'pyr' and 'manteia', where 'pyr' meant 'fire' and 'manteia' meant 'divination'.

'pyromancy' developed from Greek 'pyromanteia' and entered Late Latin/Medieval Latin as 'pyromantia', later becoming Middle/Modern English 'pyromancy'.

Initially it meant 'divination by fire' in classical/ancient contexts, and this core meaning has largely been retained though the term has become specialized and rare in modern usage.