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Webster 1913 Edition

Axinomancy

Ax-in′o-manˊcy

,
Noun.
[L.
axinomantia
, Gr. [GREEK] ax +
-mancy
.]
A species of divination, by means of an ax or hatchet.

Webster 1828 Edition

Axinomancy

AXINOM'ANCY

,
Noun.
[Gr. an ax, and divination.]
Among the ancients, a species of divination, by means of an ax or hatchet, performed by laying an agate-stone on a red hot hatchet, or by fixing a hatchet on a round stake, so as to be poised; then the names of those suspected were repeated, and he at whose name the hatchet moved, was pronounced guilty.

Definition 2024

axinomancy

axinomancy

English

Alternate forms

  • axiomancy

Noun

axinomancy ‎(uncountable)

  1. (rare) Divination by saws or axes.
    • 1610, Augustine, City of God:
      Diuination generally was done by diuers means […] by hatchets, Axinomancy
    • 1855, Edward Smedley, The Occult Sciences:
      Axinomancy Was performed by balancing an axe on an upright stake, and the names of suspected persons being pronounced, it was supposed to point out the guilty by its motion.
    • 1925, Arthur Bernard Cook, Zeus: A Study in Ancient Religion, volume 2, page 702:
      Axinomancy, strictly so called, has varied somewhat in its modus operandi. A hatchet suspended by a cord was used to detect criminals or discover secrets: it twisted and turned in answer to relevant questions.

References

  • axinomancy in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913

Etymology

Latin axinomantia, from Ancient Greek ἀξινομαντεία ‎(axinomanteía), from ἀξίνη ‎(axínē, “axe”) and μαντεία ‎(manteía, “prophecy”)

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