Definition

Noun: - Making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles, etc.) that are thrown or drawn: The act of deciding something randomly by using objects like straws, pebbles, or marked pieces of paper, where the outcome is determined by which object is drawn or selected.

Usage

• This term refers specifically to the process or event of using a random method to make a decision or select a person.
• It is often used in historical, religious, or formal contexts to describe a fair method of selection when no other objective criterion is available.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The selection of the new leader was done by casting lots.
  • To decide who would go first, they resorted to casting lots.

Advanced Usage

• "The casting of lots": A more formal variant with the same meaning.
  • The ancient practice of the casting of lots was used to divine the will of the gods.

Variants and Related Words

• To cast lots (verb phrase): The action of making a decision by this random method.
  • They agreed to cast lots to settle the dispute.
• Lot (noun): One of the objects used in this process, or the choice or share resulting from it.
• Draw lots (verb phrase): A near-synonymous phrase for the same action.

Synonyms

• Drawing lots: Making a selection by randomly choosing marked items.
• Sortition: The drawing of lots, especially as a method of selecting political officials (a more technical term).

Related Phrases

• Throw of the dice: An idiom referring to a risky or chance decision, though not identical to casting lots.
• Toss-up: An informal idiom for a situation where two outcomes are equally likely.

Noun

1. making a chance decision by using lots (straws or pebbles etc.) that are thrown or drawn