in antiquity, were persons who, appearing inspired, foretold things to come. The word is formed of Fatua, wife of the god Faunus, who was supposed to inspire women with the knowledge of futurity, as Faunus himself did the men.—Fatua had her name from fari, q. d. vaticinari, "to prophesy."

FAVISSÆ, in antiquity, were, according to Festus,