Definitions for: Magic


[n] an illusory feat; considered magical by naive observers
[n] any art that invokes supernatural powers
[adj] possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers; "charming incantations"; "magic signs that protect against adverse influence"; "a magical spell"; "'tis now the very witching time of night"- Shakespeare; "wizard wands"; "wizardly powers"



Webster (1913) Definition: Mag"ic, n. [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr.
?. See Magic, a., and Magi.]
A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which
claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural
beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces
in nature attained by a study of occult science, including
enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy,
incantation, etc.

An appearance made by some magic. --Chaucer.

Celestial magic, a supposed supernatural power which gave
to spirits a kind of dominion over the planets, and to the
planets an influence over men.

Natural magic, the art of employing the powers of nature to
produce effects apparently supernatural.

Superstitious, or Geotic, magic, the invocation of
devils or demons, involving the supposition of some tacit
or express agreement between them and human beings.

Syn: Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration;
enchantment.


Mag"ic, Magical Mag"ic*al, a. [L. magicus, Gr. ?, fr.
?: cf. F. magique. See Magi.]
1. Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed
by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and
the producing of effects by their agency.

2. Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman
agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or
sorcery. Hence: Seemingly requiring more than human power;
imposing or startling in performance; producing effects
which seem supernatural or very extraordinary; having
extraordinary properties; as, a magic lantern; a magic
square or circle.

The painter's magic skill. --Cowper.

Note: Although with certain words magic is used more than
magical, -- as, magic circle, magic square, magic wand,
-- we may in general say magic or magical; as, a magic
or magical effect; a magic or magical influence, etc.
But when the adjective is predicative, magical, and not
magic, is used; as, the effect was magical.

Magic circle, a series of concentric circles containing the
numbers 12 to 75 in eight radii, and having somewhat
similar properties to the magic square.

Magic humming bird (Zo["o]l.), a Mexican humming bird
(Iache magica), having white downy thing tufts.

Magic lantern. See Lantern.

Magic square, numbers so disposed in parallel and equal
rows in the form of a square, that each row, taken
vertically, horizontally, or diagonally, shall give the
same sum, the same product, or an harmonical series,
according as the numbers taken are in arithmetical,
geometrical, or harmonical progression.

Magic wand, a wand used by a magician in performing feats
of magic.


Any sufficiently advanced technology is
indistinguishable from magic.

Synonyms: charming, conjuration, conjuring trick, deception, illusion, legerdemain, magic trick, magical, sorcerous, supernatural, trick, witching(a), wizard(a), wizardly

See Also: black art, black magic, card trick, conjuration, conjuring, conjury, invocation, juju, mojo, performance, prestidigitation, sleight of hand, sorcery, supernaturalism, theurgy

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