planchette

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plan·chette

(plăn-shĕt′)

A small triangular board supported by two casters and a vertical pencil that, when lightly touched by the fingertips, is said to spell out subconscious or supernatural messages.

[French, from Old French, diminutive of planche, board; see planchet.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

planchette

(plɑːnˈʃɛt)

(Alternative Belief Systems) a heart-shaped board on wheels, on which messages are written under supposed spirit guidance

[C19: from French: little board, from planche plank¹]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

plan•chette

(plænˈʃɛt, -ˈtʃɛt)

n.

a small, heart-shaped board supported by two casters and a pencil or stylus that, when moved by the fingertips across a surface, supposedly writes clairvoyant messages or subconscious thoughts.

[1855–60; < French; see planchet, -ette]

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Noun

planchette - a triangular board supported on casters; when lightly touched with the fingertips it is supposed to spell out supernatural (or unconscious) messages

board - a flat piece of material designed for a special purpose; "he nailed boards across the windows"

Ouija, Ouija board - a board with the alphabet on it; used with a planchette to spell out supernatural messages

Translations

planchette

[plɑːnˈʃet] N → tabla f de escritura espiritista

Collins Spanish Dictionary - Complete and Unabridged 8th Edition 2005 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1971, 1988 © HarperCollins Publishers 1992, 1993, 1996, 1997, 2000, 2003, 2005

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References in classic literature ?

About the table, examining the Planchette contrivance, were four persons.

Aunt Mildred stirred briskly and looked up from the Planchette board.

Aunt Mildred nodded, and stood with her hand on Planchette; while the rest formed about her in a silent and expectant circle.

A mild concern showed in her face as she observed the movement of her hand and heard the scratching of the pencil-point at the apex of Planchette.

"An atmosphere of levity does not conduce to the best operation of Planchette."

"I never knew Planchette to behave so outrageously.

"A certain befitting gravity should grace the occasion," Chris agreed, placing his hand on Planchette. "Let me try.

At once his hand had started off, and Planchette was moving swiftly and smoothly across the paper.

"I have had such wonderful tests with Planchette," Mrs.

"I knew," Chris answered, "and it was I that operated Planchette. The explanation is simple."

"Let Miss Story try Planchette. There may be a further message."

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My only experience of one was disappointing: the planchette repeatedly spelt the command: "You should be dancing."