Sōrtes, n.

n.; pl. SŌR/TĒS. [Lat.] A lot; also, a kind of divination by means of lots.

Sortes Homericæ or Virgilianæ (Homeric or Virgilian lots), a form of divination used by the ancients, who opened the works of Homer or Virgil at random, and took the first line or passage on which the eye fell as indicating future events, or marking out a course of action to be pursued. This practice was also common among the early Christians, who used their sacred books in the same manner. De Quincey.