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, orGeotic, 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.