HARUSPICE Meaning and
Definition
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A haruspice is an ancient diviner or prophet who practiced haruspicy, a form of divination that involved the inspection of animal entrails, particularly the liver and other internal organs. Derived from the Latin word "haruspicium," meaning "the inspection of entrails," haruspicy was a system widely practiced by priests in ancient civilizations such as the Etruscans, Romans, and other ancient Mediterranean cultures.
The haruspice was highly trained in the interpretation of the patterns, shapes, and abnormalities found in organs and entrails of sacrificed animals, primarily sheep or goats. Believing that the gods communicated their will through these signs, the haruspice would meticulously analyze the liver, for it was considered the most sacred and significant organ in this form of divination.
The primary purpose of a haruspice was to foretell future events, interpret omens, or seek divine guidance. Their insights were highly regarded and influenced various decisions in matters of politics, warfare, and personal affairs. Haruspicy held significant importance in ancient society and remained an essential component of religious rituals and ceremonies.
Today, the practice of haruspicy has largely faded, and the term "haruspice" is mostly used in reference to ancient divination methods. However, the concept and idea of haruspicy continue to intrigue scholars and historians as they explore the ancient world's religious beliefs and practices.
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In anc. Rome, one who pretended to foretell future events by inspecting the entrails of animals sacrificed.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HARUSPICE
- garuspice
- baruspice
- naruspice
- jaruspice
- uaruspice
- yaruspice
- hzruspice
- hsruspice
- hwruspice
- hqruspice
- haeuspice
- haduspice
- hafuspice
- hatuspice
- ha5uspice
- ha4uspice
- haryspice
- harhspice
- hruspice
- Harucpice
Etymology of HARUSPICE
The word "haruspice" comes from the Latin word "haruspex", which is a combination of two elements: "hir", meaning "intestine" or "entrails", and "spex", meaning "observer" or "spectator". Therefore, "haruspex" literally translates to "observer of entrails". In ancient Roman religion, haruspices were individuals who practiced divination by inspecting animal entrails, particularly the liver, to interpret omens and predict the future. The word "haruspice" is commonly used to refer to these ancient priests or seers who performed such rituals.
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