English

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Alternative forms

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Etymology

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From fortune +‎ teller.

Pronunciation

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Noun

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fortune-teller (plural fortune-tellers)

  1. A person who professes to predict the future in return for money.
    "Cross my palm with silver and I'll tell you your fortune," said the fortune-teller.
  2. A cootie catcher.
    • 2006, Andrew Wright, David Betteridge, Michael Buckby, Games for Language Learning, page 137:
      The usual exchange between English children is as follows: A: Who do you love? (referring to one of the names on the fortune-teller) B: Simon. A: S-I-M-O-N (alternately opens and shuts the device as he or she says each letter).

Translations

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