arithmancy

English

Alternative forms

• arithmomancy, arithomancy
• arythmancy (early)

Etymology

From Ancient Greek ἀριθμός (arithmós, “number”) +‎ -mancy.

Noun

arithmancy (uncountable)

1. Divination using numbers that are the equivalent of letters of a name
   • 1597, King James I of England, Daemonologie in forme of a dialogue, Book 1, page 14:

     Of this roote last spoken of [astrology], springs innumerable branches; such as the knowledge of natiuities; the Chiromancie, Geomantie, Hydromantie, Arithmantie, Physiognomie: & a thousand others: which were much practiced, & holden in great reuerence by the Gentiles of olde.

Derived terms

• logarithmancy

 

Translations

divination using numbers that are the equivalent of letters of a name

• Italian: aritmomanzia f
• Portuguese: aritmomancia f, aritmancia (pt) f
• Spanish: aritmancia f, aritmomancia f

See also

• arithmosophy
• numerology

References

• “arithmancy”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.