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Entry 4 senses · 2 variants Webster, 1913

Magic

/măj'-ĭk/ · Mag·ic · IPA /ˈmæd͡ʒɪk/
01 n. A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spi…
  1. 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.
    “An appearance made by some magic.” — Chaucer.
  2. 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.
Phrases & compounds
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 — 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.
02 a. Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and the producing of effects…
  1. 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. 2.
    Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or sorcery; as, a magical spell.
    “The painter's magic skill.” — Cowper.
Phrases & compounds
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 — 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.