Magic \Mag"ic\, n. [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr.
?. See Magic, a., and Magi.]
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.
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, or Geotic, 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.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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Superstitious \Su`per*sti"tious\, a. [F. superstitieux, L.
superstitiosus.]
1. Of or pertaining to superstition; proceeding from, or
manifesting, superstition; as, superstitious rites;
superstitious observances.
2. Evincing superstition; overscrupulous and rigid in
religious observances; addicted to superstition; full of
idle fancies and scruples in regard to religion.
Ye men of Athens, I perceive that in all things ye
are too superstitious. --Acts xvii.
22.
3. Overexact; scrupulous beyond need.
Superstitious use (Law), the use of a gift or bequest, as
of land, etc., for the maintenance of the rites of a
religion not tolerated by the law. [Eng.]
--Mozley & W. --
Su`per*sti"tious*ly, adv. -- Su`per*sti"tious*ness, n.
Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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