ˈpīthənə̇s, ˈpith- noun
( -es )
Etymology: Middle English Phitonesse, from Middle French phitonise, pithonisse, from Late Latin pythonissa, from Greek Pythōn spirit of divination, from Pythō Delphi, where the Delphic oracle was located + Late Latin -issa -ess
1. : a woman believed to have a spirit of divination
2. : a priestess of Apollo held to have prophetic powers