water divinern.
/ˈwɔːtə dᵻˌvʌɪnə/, U.S. /ˈwɔdər dəˌvaɪnər/, /ˈwɑdər dəˌvaɪnər/ A person who searches for underground sources of water using a divining rod or similar technique.
ΘΚΠ
the world > the supernatural > the paranormal > [noun] > detection of radiation > detecting subterraneous springs, etc. > rhabdomancy > one who practises
water-finder1656
hydrophantic1729
spring-teller1785
water witch1808
rhabdomancer1817
water diviner1825
rhabdomantist1832
dowser1835
jowser1840
witch1843
water witcher1868
water dowser1873
hydroscopist1885
1825 Aurora & Franklin Gaz. 13 Oct. The doings and sayings of the water diviners, in our own periods..are within the recollection of all.
1888 Standard 22 Dec. These authorities lately invoked the aid of a ‘Dowser’, or water diviner, to tell them where to sink a well.
1902 C. J. Cornish Naturalist on Thames 59 At the Agricultural Show, the water-diviner sits installed.
1983 ‘J. Gash’ Sleepers of Erin (1984) iv. 35 A water diviner doesn't need actually to see the water before his twig writhes with the magic vibes of the subterranean river.
2006 Build It May (Timber-Frame Houses Suppl.) 8/2 The borehole..went ahead and a water diviner accurately predicted water at 36.5m.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, September 2015; most recently modified version published online December 2021).
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n.1825