Haruspex

Alternative forms

• aruspex

Origin

Borrowed from Latin haruspex.

Full definition of haruspex

Noun

1. A soothsayer or priest in Ancient Rome (originally Etruscan) who practiced divination by inspecting entrails.
• 1603, John Florio, translating Michel de Montaigne, Essays, II.12:If it be lawfull for Panæcius to maintaine his judgement about Aruspices, Dreames, Oracles and Prophecies ...: Wherfore shall not a wise-man dare that in all things, which this man dareth in such as he hath learned of his Masters?