Conjuries

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

  1. An act of invoking spirits or deities through rituals and spells
  2. The practice of summoning supernatural forces for purposes such as divination or assistance
  3. A series of magical or enchanting effects performed during a ceremony or rite

Etymology: The plural noun "conjuries" derives from the verb "conjure," which itself traces back to the Latin "conjurare," meaning "to swear together" or "to conspire." This Latin root combines "con-" (with, together) and "jurare" (to swear), originally referring to an oath taken collectively. Over time, "conjure" evolved in English from its oath-bound origins to mean calling upon or invoking, especially in a magical or supernatural sense. By the late Middle Ages, "conjure" had taken on the specific meaning of invoking spirits or performing acts of magic, often through spoken words or rituals. The noun form "conjuries" thus came to denote acts or instances of conjuring—rituals, spells, or magical invocations. While the singular "conjury" is relatively rare, the plural "conjuries" appears in older texts where multiple acts of conjuration or magical practices are referenced collectively. This shift from a solemn oath to magic reflects a broader linguistic pattern where words tied to solemnity and sacred acts sometimes migrate toward the mysterious or supernatural. The sense of binding or calling upon unseen forces remained central, but the focus changed from human agreements to summoning spirits or magical effects. The plural form preserves this sense of multiple invocations or spells rather than simple agreements. "Conjuries" entered English usage around the late Middle Ages or early modern period, appearing in literature and legal contexts discussing witchcraft, magic, and superstition. It often carried a negative connotation in these contexts, as conjuring was associated with deception or illicit power. The term remains rare today, mostly encountered in historical or literary discussions about magic and witchcraft.

Synonyms: spells, incantations, charms, enchantments, sorceries