margaritomancy

Definitions

Divination by pearls.

uncountable

Examples

“In ancient times, a form⟳ of margaritomancy was used to determine⟳ the guilt or innocence of a man or woman suspected of committing a crime.”

“Margaritomancy: Divination by pearls. A pearl was covered with a vase, and placed near the fire, and the names of suspected persons pronounced. When the name⟳ of the guilty one was uttered the pearl was supposed to bound upwards and pierce the bottom of the vase.”

“1931 Lock⟳ tr. de Givry Picture Museum of Sorcery Very curious was margaritomancy, or divination by a pearl. "The pearl is to be enchanted," says de l'Ancre, "and shut⟳ in a pot; then if it chance that the name⟳ of the thief be pronounced the pearl will leap⟳, striking against the pot."”

CEFR level