Catoptromancy

1 definition found

From The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 [gcide]:

  Catoptromancy \Ca*top"tro*man`cy\, n. [Gr. ? mirror + -mancy.
     See {Catopter}.] (Antiq.)
     A species of divination, which was performed by letting down
     a mirror into water, for a sick person to look at his face in
     it. If his countenance appeared distorted and ghastly, it was
     an ill omen; if fresh and healthy, it was favorable.


     [1913 Webster]