divining rod
Preserved but no longer current.
A forked branch of hazel, one prong of which is held in either hand. The inclination of the rod, when controlled by a qualified person, called a diviner, is said to indicate by its mpvements the presence of water-springs, precious metal, oil, etc.
Era: ca. 1898 (Victorian)
Sources & notes
Reproduced from Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable (1898 edition, public domain; archive.org, retrieved 2026-07-31; OCR text, minor errors possible). Reflects the scholarship and attitudes of its era.
Common questions
What does “divining rod” mean?
A forked branch of hazel, one prong of which is held in either hand. The inclination of the rod, when controlled by a qualified person, called a diviner, is said to indicate by its mpvements the presence of water-springs, precious metal, oil, etc.
Is “divining rod” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.