a prophecy (usually obscure or allegorical) revealed by a priest or priestess; believed to be infallible
<noun.communication>
a shrine where an oracular god is consulted
<noun.artifact>
Oracle \Or"a*cle\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Oracled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Oracling}.] To utter oracles. [Obs.]
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 an oracle[1] or 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 pronouncement or decision considered as of great authority. [1913 Webster +PJC]
In ancient times an oracle condemned Oedipus and God tested Job; today, men drive themselves to despair.
It tells of Prince Sigismund, who is imprisoned in a tower because an oracle foresaw he would cause his father's downfall and, taken to court for a day, turns out as murderous as predicted.
More than to this geography, Delphi's claims to holiness and centrality rested on the fame of its oracle.
I put on the record and leaned in a bit as if to the Delphic oracle.
Mr. Prechter, 37 years old, is the theory's champion and oracle, and his influence on the market extends far beyond the subscribers to his newsletter, the Elliott Wave Theorist.