Oracle \Or"a*cle\, n. [F., fr. L. oraculum, fr. orare to speak,
utter, pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See Oral.]
1. The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god,
to an inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as
the success of an enterprise or battle.
Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand.
--Drayton.
2. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer;
also, the place where it was given.
The oracles are dumb; No voice or hideous hum Runs
through the arched roof in words deceiving.
--Milton.
3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by
God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures --
usually in the plural.
The first principles of the oracles of God. --Heb.
v. 12.
4. (Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the
temple; also, the temple itself. --1 Kings vi. 19.
Siloa's brook, that flow'd Fast by the oracle of
God. --Milton.
5. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a
prophet.
God hath now sent his living oracle Into the world
to teach his final will. --Milton.
6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions
are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle.
``Oracles of mode.'' --Tennyson.
The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on
points of learning. --Macaulay.
7. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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