fortune stick

English

Pronunciation
  • (UK) IPA(key): /ˌfɔːtʃuːn ˈstɪk/
  • (US) IPA(key): /ˌfɔɹtʃən ˈstɪk/

Noun

fortune stick (plural fortune sticks)

  1. One of a set of numbered bamboo slips that correspond to messages concerning the future, drawn by a supplicant in Taoist divination.
    • 1871 September 11, Indian Museum: Minutes of the Trustees, page 143:
      6 Fortune sticks used in Chinese temples. Yunan.
    • 1904, Jessie Juliet, Little Almond Blossoms: A Book of Chinese Stories for Children, page 142:
      Ho chun thought that while they were there, they had better try throwing the fortune sticks, as he knew it would please them, so he picked up a tall round box, full of bamboo sticks, and explained it to them.
    • 1938, Thomas Handforth, Mei Li:
      Mei Li ran happily down the hill. Surely, if the fortune sticks said she was going to rule a kingdom she would.
    • 2000, Mimi Chan, All the King’s Women: The Story of a Hong Kong Family, page 32:
      Ah Ching went to the temple on her behalf on every major festival to kou chim, that is to ask one's fortune through the use of fortune sticks.
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