cleidomancy

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English

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Etymology

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From cleido- +‎ -mancy.

Noun

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cleidomancy (uncountable)

  1. Divination by using a hanging key as a pendulum. A form of radiesthesia.
    • 1931, J. Courtenay Locke, translator, Émile-Jules Grillot de Givry, author, Picture Museum of Sorcery, Magic & Alchemy:
      Cleidomancy was performed with a key suspended from a thread from the nail of a young virgin's third finger, this verse from the Psalms being repeated meanwhile: "Exurge, Domine, adjuva nos, et redime nos propter nomen sanctum tuum." The key would revolve if the thing asked could be affirmed.

Alternative forms

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