Brewer's: Taghairm

(2 syl.). A means employed by the Scotch in inquiring into futurity. A person wrapped up in the hide of a fresh-slain bullock was placed beside a waterfall, or at the foot of a precipice, and there left to meditate on the question propounded. Whatever his fancy suggested to him in this wild situation passed for the inspiration of his disembodied spirit.

Last evening-tide Brian an augury hath tried, Of that kind which must not be Unless in dread extremity, The Taghairm called.

SirWalterScott: Lady of the Lake, iv. 4.

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