1. a woman believed to be possessed by a spirit and able to prophesy
Usage: archaic
2. the priestess of Apollo at Delphi in ancient Greece who delivered oracles
Usage: historical

Examples

• The ancient pythoness spoke in riddles that few could understand.
• Pilgrims traveled great distances to consult the pythoness at Delphi.
• The village pythoness was said to predict the weather with uncanny accuracy.
• In Greek mythology, the pythoness delivered prophecies while in a trance-like state.
• The role of pythoness was passed down through generations of priestesses.
• Many believed the pythoness could communicate directly with the gods.