The state in which all forms of divination are most apt to show themselves is by theologians called ecstasis, when it is caused by means specially employed for the purpose and appears as a literally "being beside one's self"; by its side they speak of raptus, when the abnormal state suddenly begins during an act of ordinary life, such as walking, working, or even praying.
"Modern Magic"
Maximilian Schele de Vere
Sed paulo post repertus extractusque, ut erat nudo corpore caenoque oblitus, iniecto in collum loro Minturnas raptus et in custodiam coniectus est.
"Selections from Viri Romae"
Charles François L'Homond
raptus often means simply abduction, and it may well be that Chaucer was simply concerned in just such an attempt upon Cecilia as had been made upon his own father, who, as it will be remembered, had narrowly escaped being married by force to Joan de Westhale for the gratification of other people's private interests.
"Chaucer and His England"
G. G. Coulton