Magic

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]