GNU Collaborative International Dictionary of English

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Found 2 definitions

1.       
   Hypnotism , n. [Gr.  sleep: cf. F. hypnotisme.]
   A form of sleep or trance, in some respects resembling somnambulism, but brought on by artificial means, in which there is an unusual suspension of some powers, and an unusual activity of others, especially a heightened susceptibility to suggestion. It is induced by an action upon the nerves, through the medium of the senses, by causing the subject to gaze steadily at a very bright object held before the eyes, or on an oscillating object, or by pressure upon certain points of the surface of the body, usually accompanied by the speaking of the hypnotist in quiet soothing tones. Called also hypnosis.
   1913 Webster
   +PJC
   The science which deals with the induction and properties of the hypnotic state.
   PJC
         
       

2.       
   Mesmerism , n. [From Mesmer, who first brought it into notice at Vienna, about 1775: cf. F. mesmérisme.] An earlier name for hypnosis or hypnotism, the art of inducing an extraordinary or abnormal state of the nervous system, in which the actor claims to control the actions, and communicate directly with the mind, of the recipient. It is believed to be a state between sleep and wakefulness, in which a person is more susceptible to suggestion than when awake. See Animal magnetism, under Magnetism.
   1913 Webster