extispices

/ˌɛksˈtɪspaɪsiːz/

Definitions

1. noun

the practice of examining the entrails of animals, especially birds and quadrupeds, for omens or prophecies, as in ancient Mesopotamia and among some ancient peoples of the Middle East and Mediterranean.

“The ancient Mesopotamians engaged in the practice of extispices to determine the will of the gods.”

Synonyms

  • augury
  • divination

Antonyms

  • rationalism
  • secularism