-mancy | Search Online Etymology Dictionary

"divination by means of playing-cards," 1852, from combining form of card (n.1) + -mancy.

"astrology, art of judging occult influences of stars and planets on human affairs," 1650s; see astro- + -mancy "divination by means of."

catoptromancy (n.)

"divination by means of a mirror," 1610s, from Latinized combining form of Greek katoptron "mirror" (see catoptric) + -mancy "divination by means of."

arithmancy (n.)

"divination by numbers," 1570s, from Greek arithmos "number" (see arithmetic) + -mancy "divination by means of." Alternative arithmomancy is recorded from 1620s.

pegomancy (n.)

"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."

psephomancy (n.)

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

ornithomancy (n.)

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

oneiromancy (n.)

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

psychomancy (n.)

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.

ophiomancy (n.)

"the ancient art of divination by the movements and coilings of snakes, 1753, from ophio- "snake, serpent" + -mancy "divination by means of." Related: Ophiomantic; ophiomancer.

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