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conjuration

[kon-juh-rey-shuh n]
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noun
  1. the act of calling on or invoking a sacred name.
  2. an incantation; magical charm.
  3. supernatural accomplishment by invocation or spell.
  4. the practice of legerdemain.
  5. supplication; solemn entreaty.
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Origin of conjuration

1350–1400; Middle English conjuracio(u)n (< Anglo-French) < Latin conjūrātiōn- (stem of conjūrātiō), equivalent to conjūrāt(us), past participle of conjūrāre to swear together (con- con- + jūr- (stem of jūs) right, justice, duty + -ātus -ate1) + -iōn- -ion
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Examples from the Web for conjuration

Historical Examples

  • He answered that he was forced to it by conjuration and maledictions.

    The Phantom World

    Augustin Calmet

  • The conjuration which they had been anxiously seeking was found.

  • I do not half like the state of things, and this conjuration about the bees may all fall through.

    Oak Openings

    James Fenimore Cooper

  • Pietro Bramante's conjuration was, if as inexplicable as ever, of the Archduchess.

    The Mercenary

    W. J. Eccott

  • The usual preparations for this conjuration were immediately made.

    Last of the Incas

    Gustave Aimard

British Dictionary definitions for conjuration

conjuration

noun
  1. a magic spell; incantation
  2. a less common word for conjuring
  3. archaic supplication; entreaty
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Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for conjuration

n.

late 14c., coniuracioun, "conspiracy" (now obsolete), also "a calling upon something supernatural," from Old French conjuracion "spell, incantation, formula used in exorcism," from Latin coniurationem (nominative coniuratio) "a swearing together, conspiracy," noun of action from coniurare (see conjure).

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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper