Dictionary

cleidomancy en · NOUN

Etymology

Etymology tree English cleido- Ancient Greek μᾰντείᾱ (mănteíā)der. Latin -mantīabor. English -mancy English cleidomancy From cleido- + -mancy.

Meanings

1. (uncountable) Divination by using a hanging key as a pendulum. A form of radiesthesia.
   • 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. 1931, J. Courtenay Locke, translator, Émile-Jules Grillot de Givry, author, Picture Museum of Sorcery, Magic & Alchemy

Forms