Houdini

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A celebrated magician and escape artist recognized for his extraordinary stunts and illusions that captivated audiences worldwide
2. An iconic performer famous for his breathtaking escapes from various restraints while entertaining large crowds with captivating shows
3. A renowned performer known for his skill in escaping confinements and creating magic acts that amazed spectators

Etymology: Harry Houdini, born Erik Weisz in Hungary in 1874, adopted the stage name in honour of Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin, the French magician whom many regard as the father of modern conjuring. Houdini admired him so much that he took a version of his name for his own act, and the surname then became a common noun for anyone who performs astonishing escapes or feats of illusion. The word therefore began as a personal tribute before it became a description of a role. Houdini's fame, built on chains, locked trunks and water tanks, spread his name worldwide, and "houdini" entered general use as a term for an escape artist. It is a rare case of a magician's stage name outliving the performer's own legal name.