Meaning of augurism | Babel Free

Definitions

The act of foretelling; prophecy.

countable, uncountable

Examples

“I have⟳ heard them say⟳, that what the fates fore point⟳, that fortune pricketh down with a period; that the stars are sticklers in Venus' court, and desire hangs at the heel of destiny: if it be so, then by all probable conjectures, this match⟳ will be a marriage: for if augurism be authentical, or the divines' dooms principles, it cannot be but such a shadow portends the issue⟳ of a substance, for to that end⟳ did the gods force⟳ the conceit of the eclogue, that they might discover⟳ the ensuing consent of your affections: so that ere it be long, I hope⟳, in earnest, to dance⟳ at your wedding.”

“Then did the Priest or Flamen divide⟳ the intrails, that so he might make⟳ his augurism (the bowels being proved at the Altar.) Having looked into the bowels, they took out of every gut, member and part, a first fruits, moulded them together in the meal of green wheat-corn, then was it given to the Priest, who put⟳ thereunto frankincense, herbmary, and faire, and so burned them all together, which was called a perfect Hoast.”

“Therefore they are not called thither to be ciphers in augurism, or tell⟳ clocks.”

“But at this point⟳ in political time I want⟳ augurism through a paintbrush; I want⟳ suggestions , not certainties.”

CEFR level