from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Magic \Mag"ic\, n. [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr.
?. See {Magic}, a., and {Magi}.]
1. 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.
[1913 Webster]
An appearance made by some magic. --Chaucer.
[1913 Webster]
2. The art of creating illusions which appear to the observer
to be inexplicable except by some supernatural influence;
it includes simple sleight of hand (legerdemain) as well
as more elaborate stage magic, using special devices
constructed to produce mystifying effects; as, the magic
of David Copperfield. It is practised as an entertainment,
by magicians who do not pretend to have supernatural
powers.
[PJC]
{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 magic}, or {Geotic magic}, the invocation of
devils or demons, involving the supposition of some tacit
or express agreement between them and human beings.
[1913 Webster]
Syn: Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration;
enchantment.
[1913 Webster] Magic