Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Magic
Mag′ic
,Noun.
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.
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.
Syn. – Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration; enchantment.
Webster 1828 Edition
Magic
MAG'IC
,Noun.
1.
The art or science of putting into action the power of spirits; or the science of producing wonderful effects by the aid of superhuman beings, or of departed spirits; sorcery; enchantment. [This art or science is now discarded.]2.
The secret operations of natural causes.Natural magic, the application of natural causes to passive subjects, by which surprising effects are produced.magic, attributes to spirits a kind of dominion over the planets,and to the planets an influence over men.
Superstitious or geotic magic, consists in the invocation of devils or demons, and supposes some tacit or express agreement between them and human beings.
Magic square, a square figure, formed by a series of numbers in mathematical proportion, so disposed in parallel and equal ranks, as that the sums of each row or line taken perpendicularly, horizontally, or diagonally, are equal.
Magic lantern, a dioptric machine invented by Kircher, which, by means of a map in a dark room, exhibits images of objects in their distinct colors and proportions, with the appearance of life itself.