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Palmist: meaning, definitions and examples

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palmist

 

[ ˈpɑːlmɪst ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

fortune telling

A palmist is a person who practices palmistry, the art of interpreting the lines and features of the palms to tell fortunes. This practice is often associated with various mystical and spiritual beliefs and has been prevalent in many cultures throughout history. Palmists believe that the characteristics of a person's hands can reveal information about their personality, relationships, and future events. The practice may include analyzing the shape, size, and texture of the hands as well as the lines on the palms. Many people consult palmists for guidance or insight into their lives.

Synonyms

diviner, fortune teller, palm reader, soothsayer

Examples of usage

  • She visited a palmist to gain insight into her future.
  • The palmist studied the lines on his hand carefully.
  • Many people in the village believed in the skills of the local palmist.
  • He was skeptical but curious about the palmist's predictions.

Etymology

The term 'palmist' is derived from the word 'palmistry', which itself comes from the Latin word 'palma', meaning 'palm of the hand'. The practice of palmistry has ancient origins, with references found in ancient Indian and Chinese texts, dating back thousands of years. The practice was also prominent in the Mediterranean cultures, including the Greeks and Romans, who believed that the hands could reveal important information about an individual’s character and fate. In the 19th century, palmistry gained popularity in Western societies, particularly during the spiritualism movement. The fascination with not just palmistry but also other forms of divination led to the establishment of palm readers as a part of the broader fortune-telling profession. Over time, the term 'palmist' came to specifically denote those who focus on reading palms, distinguishing them from other types of fortune tellers.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #40,430, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.