Dictionary > Necromancy

Necromancy

necromancy
The art of revealing future events by means of a pretended communication with the dead; the black art; hence, magic in general; conjuration; enchantment. See black art. This palace standeth in the air, By necromancy placed there. (Drayton)
Origin: OE. Nigromaunce, nigromancie, OF. Nigromance, F. Necromance, necromancie, from L. Necromantia, Gr.; a dead body (akin to L. Necare to kill, Skr. Na to perish, vanish) – divination, fr. Diviner, seer, akin to E. Mania. See Mania, and cf. Internecine, Noxious. The old spelling is due to confusion with L. Niger black. Hence the name black art.

Last updated on January 18th, 2021

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