palmistry

palmistry
    n 1: telling fortunes by lines on the palm of the hand [syn:
         {palmistry}, {palm reading}, {chiromancy}, {chirology}]
    

Palmistry \Pal`mis*try\, n. [See {Palmister}.]
   1. The art or practice of divining or telling fortunes, or of
      judging of character, by the lines and marks in the palm
      of the hand; chiromancy. --Ascham. --Cowper.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A dexterous use or trick of the hand. --Addison.
      [1913 Webster]
    

PALMISTRY, n.  The 947th method (according to Mimbleshaw's
classification) of obtaining money by false pretences.  It consists in
"reading character" in the wrinkles made by closing the hand.  The
pretence is not altogether false; character can really be read very
accurately in this way, for the wrinkles in every hand submitted
plainly spell the word "dupe."  The imposture consists in not reading
it aloud.