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Definition of Hocus-pocus
1. Noun. Verbal misrepresentation intended to take advantage of you in some way.
Generic synonyms: Deceit, Deception, Misrepresentation
Derivative terms: Slick, Trick
Definition of Hocus-pocus
1. Interjection. A phrase used as a magical incantation to bring about some change. ¹
2. Noun. A specific act of trickery or nonsense. ¹
¹ Source: wiktionary.com
Lexicographical Neighbors of Hocus-pocus
Literary usage of Hocus-pocus
Below you will find example usage of this term as found in modern and/or classical literature:
1. Allen's Synonyms and Antonyms by Frederic Sturges Allen (1920)
"¡if trickery in legerdemain), hocus-pocus, pettifogging, hocus (archaic or rare),
... Antonyms: see ARTLESS. trickster, n. deceiver, cheat, hocus-pocus, ..."
2. The Works of Washington Irving by Washington Irving (1861)
"hocus-pocus of a boarding-house.—Transformations of a leg of mutton,— The mock
ghost.—Sketches of Scotland.—Trials of toadyism. ..."
3. The Singing of the Future by David Thomas Ffrangcon- Davies (1905)
"A mysterious compound, this same "style;" costly, and full of a hocus-pocus,
which does neither priest nor people any good! Let us endeavour to analyse the ..."
4. Miscellaneous and Posthumous Works by Henry Thomas Buckle (1872)
"Asaph says: " The common derivation of hocus pocus from a rapid pronouncing of
hoc est corpus is hardly admissible " (//ix•- twy of the Church of England, ..."
5. The Arena by Harry Houdini Collection (Library of Congress) (1908)
"When the volume of all kinds of real and hocus-pocus money in use increases ...
Fluctuations in the volume of hocus-pocus money are unceasing—and at times ..."
6. Faiths and Folklore: A Dictionary of National Beliefs, Superstitions and by William Carew Hazlitt (1905)
"That distributed to the people at Harvest-home. hocus-pocus or ... In 1034 was
published a tract entitled Hocus Pocus Junior, the Anatomy of Legerdemain, ..."
7. Letters of J. Downing, a Major, Downingville Militia, Second Brigade, to His by Charles Augustus Davis (1834)
"... or Van Buren Cups and Balls—Tram* fer Checks, Contingent Drafts, and Hocus
Pocus— The ... HocusPocus ..."
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