cast lots

verbdraw lots

Synonyms for cast lots

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Word Origin & History

Old English hlot "object (anything from dice to straw, but often a chip of wood with a name inscribed on it) used to determine someone's share," also "what falls to a person by lot," from Proto-Germanic *khlutom (cf. Old Norse hlutr "lot, share," Old Frisian hlot "lot," Old Saxon hlot, Middle Dutch, Dutch lot, Old High German hluz "share of land," German Los; Old English hleotan "to cast lots, to foretell"), of unknown origin. The object was placed with others in a receptacle, which was shaken, the winner being the one that fell out first. Hence, to cast lots. In some cases the lots were drawn by hand. The word was adopted from Germanic into the Romanic languages (cf. lottery, lotto). Meaning "choice resulting from the casting of lots" first attested c.1200.

Sense of "plot of land" is first recorded 1630s (distribution of the best property in new settlements often determined by casting lots), that of "group, collection" is 1725, from notion of auction lots. The generalized sense of "great many" is first attested in 1812. To cast (one's) lot with another is to agree to share winnings.

Example Sentences forcast lots

The eight victors stood forth and cast lots for new partners.

"You should have thought of that before you made us cast lots," she replied quickly.

We cast lots, and it fell upon me to sail hither with Achilles.

They had cast lots and lived on each other until but two remained.

Then came the men together and cast lots, drawing them from the helmet.

Let us not tear it, but cast lots to settle whose it shall be.

They cast lots on the occasion, and it was the lot of Pompeius to feast them first.

It was agreed that the younger guests should cast lots which should be the king of the feast.

Then Nestor said, “Let us cast lots who shall do battle with the mighty Hector.”

They cast lots to determine this, and the decision is for Moki.

cast lots

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gambled

cast lots

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