alectryomancy

noun

alec·​try·​o·​man·​cy

ə-ˈlek-trē-ō-ˌman(t)-sē

variants or alectoromancy

ə-ˈlek-tə-rō-ˌman(t)-sē

plural -es

: divination by means of a cock encircled by grains of corn placed on the letters of the alphabet which are then put together in the order in which the grains were eaten

alectryomancer

ə-ˈlek-trē-ō-ˌman(t)-sər

noun

plural alectryomancers

The alectryomancers knew how to tap the power of the living chicken. A temple priest would scribe a circle on the ground, mark the letters of the alphabet around it, and place a kernel of corn on each letter.

—Bob Sheasley, Home to Roost, 2008

Word History

Etymology

Greek alektryōn or alektōr cock + English -mancy

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!