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.

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