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incantational

 - 3 dictionary results

in⋅can⋅ta⋅tion

  [in-kan-tey-shuhn]
Use incantational in a Sentence
–noun
1. the chanting or uttering of words purporting to have magical power.
2. the formula employed; a spell or charm.
3. magical ceremonies.
4. magic; sorcery.
5. repetitious wordiness used to conceal a lack of content; obfuscation: Her prose too often resorts to incantation.
Origin:
1350–1400; ME < LL incantātiōn- (s. of incantātiō), equiv. to incantāt(us) ptp. of incantāre to put a spell on, bewitch (see enchant, -ate 1 ) + -iōn- -ion

Related forms:
in⋅can⋅ta⋅tion⋅al, in⋅can⋅ta⋅to⋅ry  [in-kan-tuh-tawr-ee, -tohr-ee] , adjective
in⋅can⋅ta⋅tor, noun

Synonyms:
4. witchcraft, black magic, wizardry.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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in·can·ta·tion   (ĭn'kān-tā'shən)   
n.  

  1. Ritual recitation of verbal charms or spells to produce a magic effect.

    1. A formula used in ritual recitation; a verbal charm or spell.

    2. A conventionalized utterance repeated without thought or aptness; a formula: the pious incantations of the administration.


[Middle English incantacioun, from Old French incantation, from Late Latin incantātiō, incantātiōn-, spell, from Latin incantātus, past participle of incantāre, to enchant; see enchant.]
in'can·ta'tion·al adj., in·can'ta·to'ry (-tə-tôr'ē, -tōr'ē) adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Word Origin & History

incantation 
1390, from O.Fr. incantation (13c.), from L. incantationem (nom. incantatio) "art of enchanting," from incantus, pp. of incantare "bewitch, charm," lit. "sing spells" (see enchantment).
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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