necromancy

Definition

Divination involving the dead or death.

Etymology

Circa 1300, from Middle English nigromancye, from Old French nigromancie, from Medieval Latin nigromantia, from Latin necromantia, from Ancient Greek νεκρομαντεία (nekromanteía), νεκρός (nekrós, “dead”) + μαντεία (manteía, “divination”). Medieval Latin spelling, incorporating niger (“black”), influenced by the notion of black art. Modern spelling adopted in mid-1500s. By surface analysis, necro- + -mancy.

Example Sentences

• "And for to make this treatise the more pleasaunt and facill, I have put it in forme of a Dialogue, which I have diuided into three bookes: The first speaking of Magie in general, and Necromancie in special."
• "And in one word for all, Nagomancy, or Necromancy; by inspecting, consulting, and divining by, with, or from the dead."
• "1867 E. Rogers, quoted in K. Thomas Relig. & Decline of Magic the Devil did often tempt me to study necromancy and nigromancy and to make use of magic, and to make a league with him..."

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