noun
- a priest in ancient Rome who practiced divination by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals, especially the liver.
Usage: historical; often used in plural as haruspices
Examples
- The haruspex examined the animal's liver to predict the outcome of the battle.
- Roman generals consulted haruspices before making major military decisions.
- The haruspex declared that the omens were unfavorable for the proposed campaign.
- In ancient Rome, haruspices held significant political and religious influence.
- The haruspex's interpretation of the entrails shaped the emperor's plans.