pythoness

[ pahy-thuh-nis, pith-uh- ]

/ ˈpaɪ θə nɪs, ˈpɪθ ə- /

a woman believed to be possessed by a soothsaying spirit, as the priestess of Apollo at Delphi.

a woman who practices divination.

Origin of pythoness

1325–75; python² + -ess; replacing Middle English phytonesse < Middle French

See -ess.

pythian games, pythias, pythogenic, python, pythonesque, pythoness, pythonic, pyuria, pyx, pyxidium, pyxie

The Pythoness was very nearly tamed; her eyes grew soft and melting, her lips trembled; but pride was still strong in her.

Beatrice Boville and Other Stories |Ouida
The pythoness, who had endeavored to exculpate him, proved to be his aunt and accomplice.

Appletons' Popular Science Monthly, December 1898 |Various
He is the sort of man who would recommend sal volatile to the Pythoness if she consulted him.

For the Term of His Natural Life |Marcus Clarke
The ravings of the Pythoness possessed, which are said to have sometimes frightened the priests, might have been studied in Fiji.

The Origin of Man and of his Superstitions |Carveth Read

As fresh votaries took their places, the pioneers danced again in imitation of the movements of the Pythoness herself.

Latitude 19 degree |Mrs. Schuyler Crowninshield

pythoness

/ (ˈpaɪθəˌnɛs) /

a woman, such as Apollo's priestess at Delphi, believed to be possessed by an oracular spirit

a female soothsayer

C14 phitonesse, ultimately from Greek Puthōn Python