spirit-rapping
[f. spirit n. + rapping vbl. n.1]
1. pl. Rappings alleged to be made by spirits in answer to questions addressed to them.
| 1852 Harper's Mag. Dec. 129/1 The spirit-rappings are again engrossing a lion's share of the talk. 1853 H. Spicer Sights & Sounds 88 This lady was a medium, and as the subject of ‘spirit rappings’ was already [etc.]. 1859 in Bartlett Dict. Amer. (ed. 2) 434. |
2. Professed communication from or with spirits by means of raps or knockings made by these.
| 1853 H. Mattison (title) Spirit rapping unveiled! 1854 N. S. Godfrey (title), The Theology of Table-Turning, Spirit-Rapping, and Clairvoyance, in connection with the Antichrist. 1862 G. H. Townsend Man. Dates s.v. The modern spirit-rapping originated in America, in the family of John D. Fox, in March, 1848. 1867 A. J. Wilson Vashti x, I don't believe in spirit-rapping, and such stuff as dancing tables, and spinning chairs. |