Emily Dickinson Lexicon

A-RUS'PICE, n. [written also Haruspice. L. aruspex, or haruspex, a soothsayer, or diviner, who attempted to foretell events by consulting the entrails of beasts slain in sacrifice. Qu. Teut. orf, yrf; Eth. አረዊ arwe, cattle, and L. specio, to view.]

A priest, in ancient Rome, whose business was to inspect the entrails of victims, killed in sacrifice, and by them to foretell future events.