Dictionary entry

Hocus-pocus

Webster's Dictionary 1913

Ho″cus–po″cus (?), n. [Prob. invented by jugglers in imitation of Latin. Cf. Hoax, Hocus.] 1. A term used by jugglers in pretended incantations.

2. A juggler or trickster. Sir T. Herbert.

3. A juggler's trick; a cheat; nonsense. Hudibras.