Cledonism (or Cledonismantia)

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Cledonism (or Cledonismantia)

Ancient system of divination based on the good or evil presage of certain words uttered without premeditation when persons come together in any way. The system also regulated the words to be used on particular occasions. Cicero stated that the Pythagoreans were very attentive to these presages, and according to Pausanius, it was a favorite method of divination at Smyrna, where the oracles of Apollo were thus interpreted.