Magic \Mag"ic\, n. [OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. ? (sc. ?), fr.
   ?. See Magic, a., and Magi.]
   1. A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which
      claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural
      beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret
      forces in nature attained by a study of occult science,
      including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery,
      necromancy, incantation, etc.
      [1913 Webster]

            An appearance made by some magic.     --Chaucer.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. The art of creating illusions which appear to the observer
      to be inexplicable except by some supernatural influence;
      it includes simple sleight of hand (legerdemain) as well
      as more elaborate stage magic, using special devices
      constructed to produce mystifying effects; as, the magic
      of David Copperfield. It is practised as an entertainment,
      by magicians who do not pretend to have supernatural
      powers.
      [PJC]

   Celestial magic, a supposed supernatural power which gave
      to spirits a kind of dominion over the planets, and to the
      planets an influence over men.

   Natural magic, the art of employing the powers of nature to
      produce effects apparently supernatural.

   Superstitious magic, or Geotic magic, the invocation of
      devils or demons, involving the supposition of some tacit
      or express agreement between them and human beings.
      [1913 Webster]

   Syn: Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration;
        enchantment.
        [1913 Webster] Magic