daphnomancy
English
Etymology
From Ancient Greek δάφνη (dáphnē, “laurel”) + -mancy.
Pronunciation
- (UK) IPA(key): /ˈdæfnəˌmænsi/
Noun
daphnomancy (uncountable)
- (rare) Divination by laurel branches or trees, leaves etc.
References
- "Daphnomantia, per lauri ramum in ignem conjectum, qvalent ille strpeitum ediderit." -- Bibliographia Antiquaria xii, Fabricii, 1713
- "Daphnomancy: Divination by means of a laurel. A branch is thrown in the fire, if it crackles in burning it is a happy sign, but if it burns without doing so, the prognostication is false." -- Encyc. Occult, L. Spence, 1920