from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Sorcery \Sor"cer*y\, n.; pl. {Sorceries}. [OE. sorcerie, OF.
sorcerie, fr. OF. & F. sorcier a sorcerer, LL. sortiarius,
fr. L. sors, sortis, a lot, decision by lot, fate, destiny.
See {Sort}, n.]
Divination by the assistance, or supposed assistance, of evil
spirits, or the power of commanding evil spirits; magic;
necromancy; witchcraft; enchantment.
[1913 Webster]
Adder's wisdom I have learned,
To fence my ear against thy sorceries. --Milton.
[1913 Webster]