abracadabra

plural abracadabras · alternative abra-cadabra

1. A use of the mystical term ‘abracadabra’, supposed to work as part of a healing charm or a magical spell; any spell or incantation making use of the word.First known use 16th c.

   With a quiet bank holiday afternoon to fill, the Mill yesterday dug out the old magic kit, brushed the cobwebs off its top hat and practiced a few abracadabras.

   2012 August 28, Georgina Turner, The Guardian

   1 more example

   Where is the necessity of this provision in the Constitution? […] Can anyone believe that we, by any amendments of ours, by any of our scribbling on that parchment, by any amulet, any legerdemain—charm—Abrecadabra—of ours can prevent our sons from doing the same thing—that is, from doing as they please, just as we are doing as we please? It is impossible. Who can bind posterity?

   1851, Hugh A. Garland, quoting John Randolph of Roanoke, “The Virginia Convention—Every Change is Not Reform”, in The Life of John Randolph of Roanoke, volume II, New York: D. Appleton & Company, →OCLC, page 329

2. Arcane and obscure language of occult rituals or mystical practices.

   We made no comment but even Sandra herself could see how ridiculous all this abracadabra must sound to a listener.

   1965, Attila Zohar, Kings Cross Black Magic, Sydney: Horwitz Publications, page 59

   1 more example

   Astrology was not specifically banned in the statutes against witchcraft, but so long as its technicalities remained abracadabra to the lay public there was always a risk that the practitioner might find himself arrested for sorcery.

   1971, Keith Thomas, Religion and the Decline of Magic, Folio Society 2012, page 335

3. Mumbo jumbo; obscure language or technicalities; jargon.First known use 19th c.

   I don’t know all the theoretical abracadabra about how it works, I’m only its pilot.

alternative abra-cadabra

1. Used to indicate that a magic trick or other illusion has been performed.First known use 19th c.

   Next, the conjuror filled a glass with water from a big jug and then covered the tumbler with a cloth. "Abracadabra," he cried and crumpled the cloth.

   1971, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle and the Magic Zodiac, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 49

   Synonyms: alakazam, hey presto, hocus-pocus, alakazam, hey pass, hey presto, hocus-pocus, kazaam