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.
Or"a*cle, v. i. [imp. & p.
p. Oracled (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Oracling (?).] To utter oracles. [Obs.]
