The Mantalogue

This is a collection of all those words terminating in the five letters -mancy, all of which (or at least most of which) refer to divinatory practices throughout the ages.

The list is intended to provide the latest and fullest knowledge of the meaning and occurences of these words. It provides full definitions, citations of actual usage, etymological histories, the (often numerous) variant spelling forms, and much other related or useful information about each of the terms.

Especially, it provides a historical record of the occurence and treatment of these words in English dictionaries from the 17th century (the period of the first English dictionaries) to present, with commentary regarding errors, omissions, wording of definitions, etc. It also shows up the practice, often blatant, and often uncritical, of copying amongst lexicographers throughout the years - a practice many would probably view as preposterous, given the exalted status with which the dictionary is commonly imbued.

Alphabetical List