What does incantation mean?
Definitions for incantation
ˌɪn kænˈteɪ ʃənin·can·ta·tion
This dictionary definitions page includes all the possible meanings, example usage and translations of the word incantation.
Princeton's WordNet
incantation, conjurationnoun
a ritual recitation of words or sounds believed to have a magical effect
GCIDE
Incantationnoun
The repetitive invoking of old sayings, or emitting a wordy discourse with little or no meaning, to avoid serious discussion; obfuscation; as, to defend one's views with empty incantations.
Wiktionary
incantationnoun
The act or process of using formulas and/or usually rhyming words, sung or spoken, with occult ceremonies, for the purpose of raising spirits, producing enchantment, or creating other magical results.
incantationnoun
A formula of words used as above.
Samuel Johnson's Dictionary
Incantationnoun
Charms uttered by singing; enchantment.
Etymology: incantation, Fr. incanto, Lat.
My ancient incantations are too weak,
And hell too strong. William Shakespeare, Henry VI.By Adam's hearkening to his wife, mankind, by that her incantation, became the subject of labour, sorrow, and death. Walter Raleigh, History of the World.
The great wonders of witches, their carrying in the air, and transforming themselves into other bodies, are reported to be wrought, not by incantations or ceremonies, but by anointing themselves all over, move a man to think that these fables are the effects of imagination; for ointments, if laid on any thing thick, by stopping of the pores, shut in the vapours, and send them to the head extremely. Francis Bacon, Natural History.
The name of a city being discovered unto their enemies, their penates and patronal gods might be called forth by charms and incantations. Thomas Browne, Vulgar Errours.
The nuptial rights his outrage strait attends;
The dow'r desir'd is his transfigur'd friends:
The incantation backward she repeats,
Inverts her rod, and what she did, defeats. Samuel Garth.The commands which our religion hath imposed on its followers are not like the absurd ceremonies of pagan idolatry, the frivolous rites of their initiations and worship, that might look like incantations and magick, but had no tendency to make mankind the happier. Richard Bentley, Sermons.
Wikipedia
Incantation
An incantation, a spell, a charm, an enchantment or a bewitchery, is a magical formula intended to trigger a magical effect on a person or objects. The formula can be spoken, sung or chanted. An incantation can also be performed during ceremonial rituals or prayers. In the world of magic, wizards, witches, and fairies allegedly perform incantations.In medieval literature, folklore, fairy tales, and modern fantasy fiction, enchantments are charms or spells. This has led to the terms "enchanter" and "enchantress" for those who use enchantments. The English language borrowed the term "incantation" from Old French in the late 14th century; the corresponding Old English term was gealdor or galdor, "song, spell", cognate to ON galdr. The weakened sense "delight" (compare the same development of "charm") is modern, first attested in 1593 (OED). Words of incantation are often spoken with inflection and emphasis on the words being said. The tone and rhyme of how the words are spoken and the placement of words used in the formula may differ depending on the desired outcome of the magical effect.Surviving written records of historical magic spells were largely obliterated in many cultures by the success of the major monotheistic religions (Islam, Judaism, and Christianity), which label some magical activity as immoral or associated with evil.
ChatGPT
incantation
An incantation is a series of words said as a spell or charm, often used in witchcraft or magic. It can also refer to a formula used in ritual recitation or invocation, typically associated with religious, magical or spiritual practices.
Webster Dictionary
Incantationnoun
the act or process of using formulas sung or spoken, with occult ceremonies, for the purpose of raising spirits, producing enchantment, or affecting other magical results; enchantment
Incantationnoun
a formula of words used as above
Etymology: [L. incantatio, fr. incantare to chant a magic formula over one: cf. F. incantation. See Enchant.]
Wikidata
Incantation
An incantation or enchantment is a charm or spell created using words. An incantation may take place during a ritual, either a hymn or prayer, and may invoke or praise a deity. In magic, occultism, and witchcraft it is used with the intention of casting a spell on an object or a person and may employ the use of pharmakeia. The term derives from Latin "incantare", meaning "to chant upon," from in- "into, upon" and cantare "to sing". In medieval literature, folklore, fairy tales and modern fantasy fiction, enchantments are charms or spells. The term was loaned into English since around AD 1300. The corresponding native English term being "galdor" "song, spell". It has led to the terms "enchanter" and "enchantress", for those who use enchantments. The weakened sense "delight" is modern, first attested in 1593.
Chambers 20th Century Dictionary
Incantation
in-kan-tā′shun, n. a formula of words said or sung in connection with certain ceremonies for purposes of enchantment.—n. In′cantātor.—adj. Incan′tatory. [L. incantation-em—incantāre, to sing a magical formula over.]
The New Hacker's Dictionary
incantation
Any particularly arbitrary or obscure command that one must mutter at a system to attain a desired result. Not used of passwords or other explicit security features. Especially used of tricks that are so poorly documented that they must be learned from a wizard. “This compiler normally locates initialized data in the data segment, but if you mutter the right incantation they will be forced into text space.”
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Song lyrics by incantation -- Explore a large variety of song lyrics performed by incantation on the Lyrics.com website.
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Numerology
Chaldean Numerology
The numerical value of incantation in Chaldean Numerology is: 1
Pythagorean Numerology
The numerical value of incantation in Pythagorean Numerology is: 3
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"incantation." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 26 Apr. 2024. <https://www.definitions.net/definition/incantation>.
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