Noun

(en-noun)

The use of rituals or actions, especially based on supernatural or occult knowledge, to manipulate or obtain information about the natural world, especially when seen as falling outside the realm of religion; also the forces allegedly drawn on for such practices.

*c. 1489 , (William Caxton), Foure Sonnes of Aymon :

*:And whan he shall be arrayed as I telle you / lete hym thenne doo his incantacyons & his magyke as he wyll […].

*1781 , (Edward Gibbon), Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire , II.23:

*:The arts of magic and divination were strictly prohibited.

*1971 , , Religion and the Decline of Magic , Folio Society 2012, p. 23:

*:Conversions to the new religion […] have frequently been assisted by the view of converts that they are acquiring not just a means of otherworldly salvation, but a new and more powerful magic .

A specific ritual or procedure associated with supernatural magic or with mysticism; a spell.

Something producing remarkable results, especially when not fully understood; an enchanting quality; exceptional skill.

* {{quote-book, year=1963, author=(Margery Allingham)

, title=(The China Governess) , chapter=1 citation , passage=The original family who had begun to build a palace to rival Nonesuch had died out before they had put up little more than the gateway, so that the actual structure which had come down to posterity retained the secret magic of a promise rather than the overpowering splendour of a great architectural achievement.}}

A conjuring trick or illusion performed to give the appearance of supernatural phenomena or powers.