|
(), n.[Cf. Wick of a lamp.] A cone of paper which is placed in a vessel of lard or other fat, and used as a taper. [Prov. Eng.] Witch n.[OE. wicche, AS. wicce, fem., wicca, masc.; perhaps the same word as AS. wtiga, wtga, a soothsayer (cf. Wiseacre); cf. Fries. wikke, a witch, LG. wikken to predict, Icel. vitki a wizard, vitka to bewitch.] 1. One who practices the black art, or magic; one regarded as possessing supernatural or magical power by compact with an evil spirit, esp. with the Devil; a sorcerer or sorceress; -- now applied chiefly or only to women, but formerly used of men as well. There was a man in that city whose name was Simon, a witch. Wyclif (Acts viii. 9). He can not abide the old woman of Brentford; he swears she's a witch. Shak. 2. An ugly old woman; a hag. Shak. 3. One who exercises more than common power of attraction; a charming or bewitching person; also, one given to mischief; -- said especially of a woman or child. [Colloq.] 4. (Geom.) A certain curve of the third order, described by Maria Agnesi under the name versiera. 5. (Zol.) The stormy petrel. Witch balls, a name applied to the interwo Witch (), v. t.[imp. & p. p.Witched (); p. pr. & vb. n.Witching.] [AS. wiccian.] To bewitch; to fascinate; to enchant. [I 'll] witch sweet ladies with my words and looks. Shak. Whether within us or without The spell of this illusion be That witches us to hear and see. Lowell. スポンサード リンク
|