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.
© Webster 1913.
Or"a*cle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Oracled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Oracling (?).]
To utter oracles.
[Obs.]
© Webster 1913.