Meaning of ptarmoscopy | Babel Free

Definitions

The divinatory interpretation of sneezes.

rare, uncountable

Examples

“He divined by Metascopy, the lines in the forehead; […] by Ptarmoscopy, sneezing; […]”

“A catalogue of ancient sneezes and sneeze-interpretation (ptarmoscopy) is also provided.”

“[…], linking this action with her earlier laugh at Telemachus' sneeze (17.541-50) and the mantic qualities of such involuntary movements, as revealed by later examples of 'ptarmoscopy' in ancient literature.”

CEFR level