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utter, pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See {Oral}.] [1913 Webster] 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. [1913 Webster] Whatso er she saith, for oracles must stand.
--Drayton.
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2. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer;
also, the place where it was given.
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The oracles are dumb;
No voice or hideous hum
Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving.
--Milton.
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3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by
God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures --
usually in the plural.
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The first principles of the oracles of God. --Heb.
v. 12.
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4. (Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the
temple; also, the temple itself. --1 Kings vi. 19.
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Siloa s brook, that flow d
Fast by the oracle of God. --Milton.
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5. One who communicates an oracle1 or divine command; an
angel; a prophet.
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God hath now sent his living oracle
Into the world to teach his final will. --Milton.
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6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions
are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle.
``Oracles of mode. --Tennyson.
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The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on
points of learning. --Macaulay.
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7. A wise pronouncement or decision considered as of great
authority.
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Oracle Or"a*cle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Oracled; p. pr. & vb.
n. {Oracling}.]
To utter oracles. [Obs.]
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Source: The Collaborative International Dictionary of English