incantation
(ɪnkænˈteɪʃən)
[a. F. incantation (13th c. in Godef. Compl.), ad. L. incantātiōn-em, n. of action from incantāre: see incant.]
The use of a formula of words spoken or chanted to produce a magical effect; the utterance of a spell or charm; more widely, The use of magical ceremonies or arts; magic, sorcery, enchantment.
| 1390 Gower Conf. III. 45 With nigromaunce he wolde assaile To make his incantacion. 1527 Andrew Brunswyke's Distyll. Waters D j, It is good dronke for them that hath eaten or hath in his body any incantacyon. 1616 Chapman Homer's Hymne to Hermes 75 Thy vertue..Gainst Great⁓yll-causing incantation, To serue as for a Lance, Or Amulet. 1757 Burke Abridgm. Eng. Hist. i. ii. (R.), Medicine was always joined with magick; no remedy was administered without mysterious ceremony and incantation. 1862 Burton Bk. Hunter (1863) 315 Like the demons of old summoned by incantation. |
b. with pl. An instance of this; concr. a magical formula chanted or spoken, or (more widely) any act or ceremony performed, to produce a magical effect; a spell, charm.
| 1412–20 Lydg. Chron. Troy i. ii. (MS. Digby 230) lf. 31/1 Oethes þe Kyng w{supt} ful greet laboure Made kepe it by incantaciouns. a 1535 More Let. Frith. K ij b, To stoppe euery good mannes eares from suche vngracyouse incantacyons as thys mannes reasons be. 1602 Warner Alb. Eng. xi. lxvii. (1612) 286 Loues Incantations so did he with Malice such defie. 1672 Sir T. Browne Lett. Friend §6 Amulets, Spells, Sigils, and Incantations, practised in other Diseases. 1774 Pennant Tour Scotl. in 1772, 15 The old women, when they undertake a cure, mumble certain rhythmical incantations. a 1854 H. Reed Lect. Eng. Lit. vi. (1878) 195 The magic of the dark incantations of Shakespeare's witchcraft. |