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Abracadabra |
Also found in: Wikipedia, Hutchinson | 0.38 sec. |
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abracadabra (ăb'rəkədăb`rə), magical formula used by the Gnostics (see Gnosticism Gnosticism (nŏs`tĭsĭzəm), dualistic religious and philosophical movement of the late Hellenistic and early Christian eras. ..... Click the link for more information. ) to invoke the aid of benevolent spirits to ward off disease and affliction. It is supposed to be derived from the abraxas, a word that was engraved on gems and amulets or was variously worn as a protective charm. Handed down through the Middle Ages, the abracadabra gradually lost its occult significance, and its meaning was extended to cover any hocus-pocus. Abracadabra cabalistic charm used as an antidote for ague, toothache, etc. [Medieval Folklore: Brewer Dictionary, 3]
See : Charms |
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Abracabadra
