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hocus-pocus
[ hoh-kuhs-poh-kuhs ]
noun
- a meaningless chant or expression used in conjuring or incantation.
- a juggler's trick; sleight of hand.
- trickery; deception.
Synonyms: double-dealing, hanky-panky, dishonesty, deceit
- unnecessarily mysterious or elaborate activity or talk to cover up a deception, magnify a simple purpose, etc.
verb (used with object)
- to play tricks on or with.
verb (used without object)
- to perform tricks; practice trickery or deception.
hocus-pocus
/ ˈhəʊkəsˈpəʊkəs /
noun
- trickery or chicanery
- mystifying jargon
- an incantation used by conjurors or magicians when performing tricks
- conjuring skill or practice
verb
- to deceive or trick (someone)
Word History and Origins
Origin of hocus-pocus1
Word History and Origins
Origin of hocus-pocus1
Example Sentences
So how did 18-year-old Jason Marsden get cast as the voice of a talking cat in Hocus Pocus?
Finally, in the spirit of Hocus Pocus, what are your Halloween plans this year?
First negatively, it has not been done by any artificial means or legislative hocus-pocus (applause).
It is hocus-pocus, a sort of social magic formula like the "mutabor" in the Arabian Nights; it is an Aladdins-lamp philosophy.
He complains that Gautier is lacking in a concern about supernatural hocus-pocus and that Flaubert is lacking.
"There's some hocus-pocus about this," whispered Trask, as he and Locke moved forward for a private talk.
But love was beginning its usual hocus-pocus with character and turning a tired business man into a restless swain.
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