Extispices

/ɛkˈtɪspɪsiːz/ noun (plural)

Definition

Plural form of extispex; multiple Roman priests or soothsayers who practiced divination through examining animal entrails.

Etymology

Latin plural of extispex, maintaining the Latin plural form in English scholarly and historical contexts.

Kelly Says

The fact that we have a specific word for entrail-readers shows how organized and standardized Roman divination was—these weren't random fortune tellers but trained professionals with established methods, hierarchies, and respect, much like modern specialists in any field.

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