Magic (paranormal)

:For other uses of the term or name "Magic", see Magic (illusion) or Magic (disambiguation). For other uses of the term or name "Sorcery", see Sorcery (disambiguation).

Etymology

The word magic ultimately derives from Magus (Old Persian maguš), one of the Zoroastrian astrologer priests of the Medes. In the Hellenistic period, Greek ????? (magos) could be used as an adjective, but an adjective ??????? (magikos, latin magicus) is also attested from the 1st century (Plutarchus), typically appearing in the feminine, in ?????? ????? (magike techne, latin ars magica) "magical art." The word entered the English language in the late 14th century from Old French magique.

Related Topics:
Magus - Old Persian - Zoroastrian - Medes - Greek - 1st century - Plutarchus - 14th century - Old French

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Likewise, sorcery was taken in ca. 1300 from Old French sorcerie, which is from Vulgar Latin *sortiarius, from sors "fate", apparently meaning "one who influences fate." Sorceress appears also in the late 14th century, while sorcerer is attested only from 1526.

Related Topics:
1300 - Vulgar Latin - 14th century - 1526

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