How Do You Spell ARUSPICE?

1. Aruspice is a noun that refers to an ancient diviner or seer who practiced the art of divination by examining the entrails of sacrificial animals, usually birds. These diviners were highly regarded in many ancient civilizations, particularly in Rome, Etruria, and Babylonia, where they were known for their ability to interpret signs and omens from the gods.

   The aruspice's practice primarily consisted of dissecting animals after their sacrifice and carefully observing their internal organs such as the liver, heart, and lungs. By observing the size, shape, color, and texture of these organs, as well as any abnormality or signs of disease, the aruspice would interpret them as signs from the gods, foretelling future events or guiding the appropriate course of action.

   Aruspices were consulted for a wide range of purposes, including predicting the outcome of battles, natural disasters, the success or failure of crops, and the general welfare of the state. Their role in ancient societies was highly significant, as they were considered intermediaries between the human world and the divine realm.

   In contemporary usage, the term "aruspice" is sometimes used metaphorically to describe someone who can make accurate predictions or foresee future events based on their intuitive insight or meticulous analysis of patterns and signs. However, it primarily retains its historical meaning, referring to the specific role and practices of the ancient diviners who interpreted the entrails of animals for prophetic purposes.

2. In anc. Rome, a diviner by the inspection of the entrails of beasts.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for ARUSPICE

The word "Aruspice" originates from the Latin term "haruspex", which was borrowed from Etruscan or a related Italic language. The Etruscans were an ancient civilization that lived in the region of modern-day Italy before the rise of the Roman Empire.

In Etruscan, the word was "haruθspex", composed of two elements: "haru" meaning "entrails" and "θspex" meaning "viewer" or "inspector". The Etruscans believed that by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, they could interpret the will of the gods and gain insights into future events or omens.

The Latin language adopted many words from Etruscan, including "haruspex", which eventually evolved into "aruspex" over time.