*oracle*

n. [ F., fr. L. oraculum, fr. orare to speak, utter, pray, fr. os, oris, mouth. See Oral. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

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. [ 1913 Webster ]

Whatso'er she saith, for oracles must stand. Drayton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Hence: The deity who was supposed to give the answer; also, the place where it was given. [ 1913 Webster ]

The oracles are dumb;
No voice or hideous hum
Runs through the arched roof in words deceiving. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. The communications, revelations, or messages delivered by God to the prophets; also, the entire sacred Scriptures -- usually in the plural. [ 1913 Webster ]

The first principles of the oracles of God. Heb. v. 12. [ 1913 Webster ]

4. (Jewish Antiq.) The sanctuary, or Most Holy place in the temple; also, the temple itself. 1 Kings vi. 19. [ 1913 Webster ]

Siloa's brook, that flow'd
Fast by the oracle of God. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

5. One who communicates an oracle{ 1 } or divine command; an angel; a prophet. [ 1913 Webster ]

God hath now sent his living oracle
Into the world to teach his final will. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

6. Any person reputed uncommonly wise; one whose decisions are regarded as of great authority; as, a literary oracle. “Oracles of mode.” Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

The country rectors . . . thought him an oracle on points of learning. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

7. A wise pronouncement or decision considered as of great authority. [ 1913 Webster +PJC ]