necromancy definition

The art of revealing future events by means of a pretended communication with the dead; the black art; hence, magic in general; conjuration; enchantment. See Black art. "This palace standeth in the air, By necromancy placed there." (Drayton)

Origin: OE. Nigromaunce, nigromancie, OF. Nigromance, F. Necromance, necromancie, from L. Necromantia, Gr.; a dead body (akin to L. Necare to kill, Skr. Na to perish, vanish) + divination, fr. Diviner, seer, akin to E. Mania. See Mania, and cf. Internecine, Noxious. The old spelling is due to confusion with L. Niger black. Hence the name black art.

(01 Mar 1998)