Cledonism (or Cledonismantia)
Ancient system of divination based on the good or evil presage
of certain words uttered without premeditation when persons
come together in any way. The system also regulated the
words to be used on particular occasions. Cicero stated that the
Pythagoreans were very attentive to these presages, and according
to Pausanius, it was a favorite method of divination at Smyrna,
where the oracles of Apollo were thus interpreted.
