Centiloquy is a rare word that denotes a hundred sayings or expressions. In IPA phonetic transcription, the spelling of the word would be /ˌsɛntɪˈləʊkwɪ/. The stress falls on the second syllable, "ti". The "c" is pronounced as "s", and "qu" is pronounced as "kw". The "y" at the end is silent. While this word is not commonly used, it is a great addition to one's vocabulary if one wants to sound more articulate and descriptive.
Centiloquy is a noun that refers to a form of divination or fortune-telling based on one hundred random statements or questions. Derived from the Latin word "centum" meaning one hundred, and "loqui" meaning to speak, centiloquy involves the practice of uttering or reciting these statements or questions in a specific order or sequence in order to gain insights or predictions about an individual's future or the larger world.
Centiloquy is often performed by a practitioner who possesses knowledge of the particular system or code associated with the statements or questions. The practitioner may select the statements or questions randomly or via a predetermined pattern to ensure a varied range of content. Once the centiloquy process is initiated, the seeker or consultant typically listens attentively to the statements or questions uttered by the practitioner, sometimes providing further context or personal information to aid in the interpretation.
This divinatory method may be employed using various tools or techniques, including the use of cards, tokens, or other symbolic objects to accompany the spoken statements or questions. The responses or interpretations derived from the centiloquy process can provide guidance, foresight, or clarification for the seeker, offering them a deeper understanding of their current circumstances or potential future outcomes.
Centiloquy has a long history and is present in various cultures and traditions throughout the world, each with their own unique set of statements or questions and associated interpretations.
The word centiloquy is derived from two Latin roots. The prefix centi- comes from the Latin word centum, meaning hundred. The second part of the word, loquy, comes from the Latin verb loqui, which means to speak. Therefore, centiloquy literally translates to speaking a hundred or hundred words.