Wiktionary:Word of the day/2021/March 24

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hocus-pocus interj

A phrase used (by a stage magician, etc.) as a magical incantation to bring about some change: abracadabra, hey presto. hocus-pocus n (uncountable) Some ineffectual action or speech, especially if intended to divert attention; nonsense. (uncountable, derogatory) Religious or supernatural phenomena one holds to be nonsense or mere trickery; superstitious mumbo-jumbo. (countable, uncountable, chiefly US, also attributively) Some action carried out to bring about change as if by magic; a trick; sleight of hand, trickery. (countable, obsolete) A conjurer. (countable, obsolete) A conjurer's trick. hocus-pocus v (transitive, intransitive, colloquial, dated) To play tricks or practise sleight of hand (on someone); (by extension) to cheat, to deceive. The American escape artist and illusionist Harry Houdini was born on this day in 1874.

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