in antiquity, a kind of prophets, or religious conjurers, who by abominable prayers, and horrible sacrifices at the altars of idols, procured answers to their questions concerning future events. Ibid. Orig. lib. viii. cap. 9. These are also called haruspici, and the operation haruolation. Sometimes they were denominated arufspices or harufspices. The arioli were distinguished by a flowery dress, disorderly and matted beards, hair, &c.