عَرَّافٌ

A كَاهِن [or diviner]: (S, O, Msb, K:) or the former is one who informs of the past, and the latter is one who informs of the past and of the future: (Msb:) or, according to Er-Rághib, [but the converse of his explanation seems to be that which is correct,] the former is one who informs of future events, and the latter is one who informs of past events. (TA.) Hence the saying of the Prophet, that whoso comes to an عرّاف and asks him respecting a thing, prayer of forty nights will not be accepted from him. (O.)

And (Msb) An astrologer, (IAth, Mgh, Msb,) who lays claim to the knowledge of hidden, or invisible, things, (IAth, Mgh,) which God has made to belong exclusively to Himself: (IAth:) and this is [said to be] meant in the tradition above mentioned. (Mgh.)

And A physician. (S, O, K.)

And One who smells [for يسم I read يَشُمُّ] the ground, and thus knows the places of water, and knows in what country, or district, he is. (ISh, in TA, article حزى.)