Sortilege
/ˈsɔːrtəlɪdʒ/noun
Divination or magic performed by drawing lots or using written symbols.
Did you know?In medieval Europe, sortilege referred to divination by lots and was often condemned by church authorities as a form of forbidden magic.
Etymological Timeline
Classical Latin
Latin
sors
“A lot, portion, chance, or destiny assigned by fate.”
Classical Latin
Latin
legere
“To gather, choose, read, or interpret.”
Late Latin
Latin
sortilegium
“Divination by lots; literally, the interpreting or reading of lots.”
13th Century
Old French
sortilège
“Sorcery, enchantment, or divination by lots.”
15th Century
English
sortilege
“A magical practice involving lots or other means of divination.”
Modern English
English
sortilege
“Divination or magic performed by drawing lots or interpreting symbols.”