word-forming element of Greek origin meaning "divination by means of," from Old French -mancie, from Late Latin -mantia, from Greek manteia "oracle, divination," from mantis "one who divines, a seer, prophet; one touched by divine madness," from mainesthai "be inspired," which is related to menos "passion, spirit" (from PIE *mnyo-, suffixed form of root *men- (1) "to think," with derivatives referring to qualities and states of mind or thought). Compare mania.

"divination by fountains," 1727, from Latinized form of Greek pēgē "fountain, spring" (a word of unknown origin, possibly Pre-Greek) + -mancy "divination by means of."

"divination by means of pebbles drawn from a heap," 1727, from Greek psēphos "pebble" (a word of uncertain origin) + -mancy "divination by means of."

"divination by means of birds," 1650s; see ornitho- + -mancy. Middle English had it as ornomanci (late 15c.). Related: Ornithomantic.

"divination through dreams," 1650s; see oneiro- "dream" + -mancy "divination by means of." Greek had oneiromantis "an interpreter of dreams." Related: oneiromantic.

1680s, "divination by consulting the souls of the deceased;" see psycho- + -mancy. The word was revived or re-coined in occultism by 1853. Related: Psychomantic; psychomancer.