divining rod

a rod, especially a forked stick, commonly of hazel, supposed to be useful in locating underground water, metal deposits, etc.

Also called dowsing rod.

Origin of divining rod

First recorded in 1745–55

The detection of subterranean water is by no means the only use to which the divining-rod has been put.

Myths and Myth-Makers |John Fiske
But what has the avenging daybreak to do with the lightning and the divining-rod?

Myths and Myth-Makers |John Fiske
There is a certain captain who has great faith in the divining-rod.

An Old English Home |S. Baring-Gould
Hence the one thing essential to the divining-rod, from whatever tree it be chosen, is that it shall be forked.

Myths and Myth-Makers |John Fiske

What has not been said for and against the divining-rod of Jacques Aimar?

The Phantom World |Augustin Calmet

divining rod

a rod, usually a forked hazel twig, said to move or dip when held over ground in which water, metal, etc, is to be found Also called: dowsing rod