pyromancy

noun

py·​ro·​man·​cy ˈpī-rə-ˌman(t)-sē How to pronounce pyromancy (audio)
: divination by means of fire or flames

Word History

Etymology

Middle English piromancie, from Middle French, from Late Latin pyromantia, from Greek pyromanteia, from pyr fire + manteia divination — more at -mancy

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of pyromancy was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near pyromancy

Cite this Entry

“Pyromancy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pyromancy. Accessed 28 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on pyromancy

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!