I.the Chaldœans, a people of Assyria, distinguished, in an early age, for their knowledge of astronomy and astrology.
A. Of the nation or people, Plin. 6, 28, 32, § 105; Mel. 3, 8, 5.—
B. In gen., soothsayers, astrologers, Cic. Div. 1, 1, 2; 2, 42, 87 sq.; Val. Max. 3, 1, 2; Gell. 14, 1, 1 sqq.; sing.: “Chaldaeus,” a soothsayer, Cato, R. R. 5, 4; gen. plur. Chaldaeūm, Lucr. 5, 726.—
II. Hence,
2. Esp., of or belonging to the soothsayers: “secta,” Plin. 18, 25, 57, § 211: “grex,” Juv. 10, 94.—
B. Chal-dăĭcus , a, um, adj., the same: “genus praedicendi,” Cic. Div. 2, 42, 88: “rationes,” id. ib. 2, 47, 98: “gentes,” Plin. 6, 26, 30, § 121.