taghairm /ˈtaɡəɹəm/ noun3 •(Scotland, historical) An ancient divination method of the Highland Scots involving animal sacrifice. •(Scotland, historical) A method of divination involving wrapping a person in the hide of a freshly-killed ox which was then placed beside a waterfall or other desolate place, to enable the person to foresee the outcome of an impending battle; the oracle of the hide.In the taghairm the seer was bound in an animal's hide and left by the waters, the spirits of which inspired his dreams[…]. The hide was probably that of a sacrificial animal. — 1911 •(Scotland, historical) A method of divination in which cats were roasted alive to call up the spirit of the demon cat who would grant the wishes of the torturers. formstaghairms
