'Superstitious magic' definitions:

Definition of 'Superstitious magic'

From: GCIDE
  • 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