ventriloquy
(vɛnˈtrɪləkwɪ)
[ad. med. or early mod.L. ventriloqui-um (It. ventriloquio, Sp., Pg. ventriloquia, F. ventriloquie), f. L. ventriloquus: see prec.]
1. = ventriloquism (in both senses).
| 1584 R. Scot Discov. Witchcr. vii. i. (1886) 101 A wench, practising hir diabolicall witchcraft and ventriloquie An. 1574. 1642 Fuller Holy & Prof. St. ii. ix. 83 Some have questioned ventriloquie, when men strangely speak out of their bellies, whether it can be done lawfully or no. a 1680 Glanvill Sadducismus ii. (1684) 64 For Ventriloquy, or speaking from the bottom of the Belly, 'tis a thing..as strange..as anything in Witchcraft. 1775 in Ash. 1823 Examiner 338 His excellent imitations of ventriloquy. 1843 Penny Cycl. XXVI. 248/1 The lips and jaws being always somewhat open during ventriloquy, a slight labial movement remains unnoticed. 1889 MacColl Mr. Stranger's Sealed Packet xxx, You would have put it all down to ventriloquy and imposture. |
¶ 2. (See quot.) Obs.—0
| 1623 Cockeram i, Ventriloquie, diuination by the inwards of beasts. |