GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions 

  1.       
Oracle (?), n. [F., fr. L. oraculum, fr. orare to speak, utter, pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See Oral.]

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    1. The answer of a god, or some person reputed to be a god, to an inquiry respecting some affair or future event, as the success of an enterprise or battle.

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    Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand. Drayton.

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    2. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given.

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    The oracles are dumb;

    No voice or hideous hum

    Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. Milton.

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    3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural.

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    The first principles of the oracles of God. Heb. v. 12.

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    4. (Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself.  1 Kings vi. 19.

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    Siloa's brook, that flow'd

    Fast by the oracle of God. Milton.

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    5. One who communicates an oracle1 or divine command; an angel; a prophet.

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    God hath now sent his living oracle

    Into the world to teach his final will. Milton.

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    6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, “a literary oracle”. “Oracles of mode.”  Tennyson.

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    The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on points of learning. Macaulay.

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    7. A wise pronouncement or decision considered as of great authority.

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  2.       
Oracle, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Oracled (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Oracling (?).] To utter oracles. [Obs.]

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