Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

haruspex

Noun

/ˈhɑːrəsˌpɛks/

Definition

A haruspex is a religious official in ancient Rome who interpreted omens by examining the entrails of sacrificed animals.

Examples

The haruspex carefully examined the liver of the sacrificed sheep for omens.
In ancient Rome, a haruspex was often consulted before major battles.
The haruspex’s predictions were taken very seriously by the leaders of the state.

Meaning

The term refers specifically to someone skilled in the practice of reading signs from animal organs to predict the future or determine the will of the gods.