Definition of conjuror

The word "conjuror" originated from the Middle English word "conjourer," which itself derived from the Old French word "conjurer." The Old French term "conjurer" came from the Late Latin phrase "coniurāre," which was formed from the Latin words "con" (meaning "together") and "iūgāre" (meaning "to join" or "bind"). In medieval times, a conjuror referred to a person who practiced the art of conjuring, which encompassed various magical and supernatural abilities, including the power to summon spirits, predict the future, and heal the sick. The word "conjuror" also had connotations of deceit and trickery, as conjurers were often credited with performing illusions and sleights of hand to awe and entertain audiences. As the concept of magic and its associated practices evolved over time, the meaning of the word "conjuror" began to change. In the 17th and 18th centuries, "conjuror" was used to describe a person who made pact with the devil, as conjuring was associated with Satanic practices. Later, during the Victorian era, "conjuror" came to refer to a stage magician, performer of illusions and tricks. The term has since evolved to incorporate modern forms of conjuring, such as mentalism and sleight of hand, and is often used interchangeably with the related terms "magician" and "illusionist." In summary, the origin of the word "conjuror" can be traced back to the medieval practice of "coniurāre," meaning "to bind together," and refers to a person who possesses magical or supernatural abilities, encompassing various practices from divination to deceitful illusions.