Rhabdomancy
/ˌræbdəˈmænsi/noun
Divination performed with a rod, wand, or staff, often by interpreting its movements or position.
Did you know?The term combines Greek rhabdos, “rod,” with manteia, “divination,” the same prophetic root behind words connected with seers and occult prediction.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ῥάβδος (rhabdos)
“Rod, staff, or wand”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μαντεία (manteia)
“Divination or prophetic revelation”
Hellenistic Greek
Greek
ῥαβδομαντεία (rhabdomanteia)
“Divination by means of a rod or staff”
Late Antiquity–Middle Ages
Latin
rhabdomantia
“Divination using a rod; a learned occult term”
17th Century
English
rhabdomancy
“The practice of divining through a rod, including rod-based magical or dowsing practices”
Modern English
English
rhabdomancy
“Rod or wand divination”
Explore more surprising origins