Though there was certainly an element of entertainment in Raphaelles performances, ventriloquism, or "biloquism" as the new "science" was called, represented far more than entertainment in early-nineteenth-century America.
Wikipedia foundation.
biloquial — adjective Of, pertaining to, or possessing the ability to speak in two different voices, especially as a ventriloquist. Deception was often unnecessarily practised, and my biloquial faculty did not lie unemployed . . . . Standing one evening on… … Wiktionary
biloquist — noun A person having the ability to speak in two different voices, especially as a ventriloquist. Back in Maisel, I was a biloquist. A common street performer. What you would call a ventriloquist. See Also: biloquial, biloquism, biloquium … Wiktionary
biloquium — noun The ability to speak in two different voices, especially as a ventriloquist. You are not apprized of the existence of a power which I possess. I know not by what name to call it. [, Biloquium, or ventrilocution. Sound is varied according to… … Wiktionary
ventriloquism — noun The art of projecting ones voice without moving the lips so that it appears to come from another source, such as a dummy. Syn: biloquism, ventrilocution … Wiktionary
