Ŏr'a-cle1, n.
(ŏr'a-kl), n. [Fr. oracle, It. oracolo, Sp. oraculo, Lat. oraculum, from orare, to speak, utter, from os, oris, the mouth.]
Sense 1. The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, among the heathen, to an inquiry made respecting some affair of importance, usually respecting some future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle; hence, the deity who was supposed to give the answer, and also the place where it was given; as, the Delphic oracle.
The oracles are dumb; No voice nor hideous hum Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. Milton.
Sense 2. Hence, the communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to prophets; hence, also, the entire sacred Scriptures; — usually in the plural.
Ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God. Heb. v. 12.
Sense 3. (Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or most holy place in the temple, in which was deposited the ark of the covenant.
And the oracle he prepared in the house within, to set there the ark of the covenant of the Lord. 1 Kings vi. 19.
Sense 4. One who communicates a divine command; an angel; a prophet; hence, also, any person reputed uncommonly wise, whose decisions are not disputed, or whose opinions are of great authority.
God hath now sent his living oracle Into the world to teach his final will. Milton.
The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on points of learning. Macaulay.
Sense 5. A wise sentence or decision of great authority.