incantation

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“
Alaska -- the incantation has been the same, recited with the exact same phraseology and intonation.

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Definitions (8)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. noun Ritual recitation of verbal charms or spells to produce a magic effect.
  2. noun A formula used in ritual recitation; a verbal charm or spell.
  3. noun A conventionalized utterance repeated without thought or aptness; a formula: the pious incantations of the administration.

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Toggle GNU Webster definitions GNU Webster's 1913 (3)

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Examples (50)

  • As he completed the incantation, his head seemed pierced by a lance of agony that was first blazing hot and then stunningly cold. —  Julian, May - Boreal Moon 01 - Conqueror's Moon
  • The abbas lifted his hand and pronounced an incantation, and the former prisoners vanished from sight. —  May, Julian - Boreal Moon 2 - Ironcrown Moon
  • Alaska -- the incantation has been the same, recited with the exact same phraseology and intonation. —  The American Spectator
  • Your incantation was in French--do they understand the language They understand me There was a curious dignity in her reply You are French, Mam'selle I came from France a long while ago, so long that I do not remember Was it in another life? —  A Little Girl in Old Quebec
  • The Captain hadn't lied much about the size of the python--it was about thirty feet long--and Merritt didn't have time to use any incantation, although considerable forcible language floated up through the hatchway. —  Side Show Studies
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Etymologies (2)

Toggle American Heritage etymologies American Heritage Dictionary (1)

  1. Middle English incantacioun, from Old French incantation, from Late Latin incantātiō, incantātiōn-, spell, from Latin incantātus, past participle of incantāre, to enchant; see enchant.

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from Middle English incantacion = French incantation = Spanish incantacion = Italian incantazione, from Late Latin incantation(n-), from Latin incantare, chant a magic formula over, enchant: see enchant.
 

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/ɪnkænˈteɪʃən/
by American Heritage

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