Thesaurus: oracle

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Definitions

1. n. 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.
2. n. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given.
3. n. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural.
4. n. The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself.
5. n. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet.
6. n. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle.
7. n. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.
8. v. i. To utter oracles.
9. n. an authoritative person who divines the future
10. n. a prophecy (usually obscure or allegorical) revealed by a priest or priestess; believed to be infallible
11. n. a shrine where an oracular god is consulted
12. 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. To utter oracles. [Obs.]