Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Oracle?

\Or"a*cle\, n. [F., fr. L. oraculum, fr. orare to speak, utter, pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See {Oral}.] 1. The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle. Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand. --Drayton. 2. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given. The oracles are dumb; No voice or hideous hum Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. --Milton. 3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural. The first principles of the oracles of God. --Heb. v. 12. 4. (Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself. --1 Kings vi. 19. Siloa's brook, that flow'd Fast by the oracle of God. --Milton. 5. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet. God hath now sent his living oracle Into the world to teach his final will. --Milton. 6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle. ``Oracles of mode.'' --Tennyson. The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on points of learning. --Macaulay. 7. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.
\Or"a*cle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Oracled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Oracling}.] To utter oracles. [Obs.]