GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Hocus-pocus (?), n. [Prob. invented by jugglers in imitation of Latin.  Cf. Hoax, Hocus.]
   1. A term used by magicians or conjurers in pretended incantations.
   
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   2. A juggler or trickster. [Archaic]  Sir T. Herbert.
   
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   3. A magician's trick; a cheat; nonsense.  Hudibras.
   
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   4. Obfuscating talk or elaborate but meaningless activity intended to hide a deception or to obscure what is actually happening; verbal misrepresentation intended to take advantage of you in some way.
   
   Syn. -- trickery, slickness, hanky panky, jiggery-pokery, skulduggery, skullduggery.
   
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2.       
   Hocus-pocus, v. t. To cheat. [Colloq.]  L'Estrange.
   
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