noun
- Plural of haruspex; priests in ancient Rome who practiced divination by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, especially the liver.
Usage: historical; formal
Examples
- The haruspices examined the animal's liver before the general led his troops into battle.
- Ancient Roman haruspices were consulted on matters of state and religion.
- The haruspices declared the omens unfavorable for the proposed voyage.
- Emperors often relied on haruspices to interpret divine will.
- The practice of haruspices was an important part of Roman religious ritual.