conjuration

Noun

conjuration (countable and uncountable, plural conjurations)

1. Conjuring, legerdemain or magic.
   • Pretended conjurations and prophecies of that event.1827, Henry Hallam, The Constitutional History of England from the Accession of Henry VII. to the Death of George II. […], volume (please specify |volume=I or II), London: John Murray, […], →OCLC
   • How nicely we could manage without the said railway, now the great hobby of our Teviotdale lairds, if we could by any process of conjuration waft to Abbotsford some of the coal and lime from Lochore...1951 February, Michael Robbins, “Sir Walter Scott and Two Early Railway Schemes”, in Railway Magazine, page 90, words written by Scott

   Synonyms:

   sorcery, wizardry, hocus-pocus, sleight of hand, bewitchery, black arts, charmwork, conjuring, craft, dark arts

2. A magic trick.
3. (obsolete) The act of calling or summoning by a sacred name, or in solemn manner, or binding by an oath; an earnest entreaty; adjuration.
   • We charge you, in the name of God, take heed; […] Under this conjuration speak, my lord.1599 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Life of Henry the Fift”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward] Blount...
   • An earneſt Coniuration from the King, / As England was his faithfull Tributaryc. 1599–1602 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Tragedie of Hamlet, Prince of Denmarke”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac...
4. (obsolete) A league for a criminal purpose; conspiracy.
   • The conjuration of Catiline.1531, Thomas Elyot, The Boke Named the Governour […], London: […] Tho[mas] Bertheleti, →OCLC