among the heathens, was the answer which the gods were supposed to give to those who consulted them upon any affair of importance; it is also used for the god who it was thought gave the answer, and the place where it was given.

The credit of oracles was so great, that in all doubts and disputes their determinations were held sacred and inviolable: whence vast numbers flocked to them for advice about the management of their affairs; and no business of any consequence was undertaken, scarce any peace concluded, any war waged, or any new form of government instituted, without the advice and approbation of some oracle. The answers were usually given by the intervention of the priest or priestess of the god who was consulted; and generally expressed in such dark and intermediate phrases, as might be easily wrestled to prove the truth of the oracle whatever was the event. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at, that the priests who delivered them were in the highest credit and esteem; and that they improved this reputation greatly to their advantage. They accordingly allowed no man to consult the gods, before he had offered costly sacrifices, and made rich presents to them. And to keep up the veneration for their oracles, and to prevent their being taken unprepared, they admitted persons to consult the gods only at certain stated times; and sometimes they were so cautious, that the greatest persons could obtain no answer at all. Thus Alexander himself was perpetually denied by the pythia, or priestess of Apollo, till she was, by downright force, obliged to ascend the tripod; when, being unable to resist any longer, she cried out, thou art invincible; and these words were accepted instead of a farther oracle. See MYTHOLOGY.

ORACH, ORACH, in botany. See Atriplex.