Middle English Dictionary Entry
maǧī̆k(e n.
Entry Info
| Forms | maǧī̆k(e n. Also magique, malgik, maugik. |
| Etymology | OF magique |
Definitions (Senses and Subsenses)
1.
(a) The knowledge of hidden natural forces (e.g. magnetism, stellar influence), and the art of using these in calculating future events, curing disease, etc.; ~ natural; (b) sorcery, enchantment.
Associated quotations
a
- (c1387-95) Chaucer CT.Prol.(Manly-Rickert)A.416 : He kepte his pacient a ful greet deel In houres by his magik natureel; Wel koude he fortunen the ascendent Of hise ymages for his pacient.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)7.1301 : Nectanabus..an Astronomien And ek a gret Magicien..undertake hath thilke emprise To Alisandre in his aprise As of Magique naturel To knowe, enformeth him somdel Of certein sterres what thei mene.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)2.6762 : Musing wher it [a tree] wer artificial, Erect, or set by magik natural Or by engyne of werkmen corious.
- a1450(?c1421) Lydg.ST (Arun 119)2815 : He cowde aforn ful opynly dyvyne Thyngges begonne how they shuld fyne..And hadde in magik grete experience, And fynde cowde be heuenly influence..A fynal doome of..Werrys.
- a1450(?c1430) Lydg.DM(1) (Hnt EL 26.A.13)521 : What mai a-vaile Maugik natural..Or cours of sterres aboue celestial..A-ȝens dethe to stonde atte defence.
- c1450(c1380) Chaucer HF (Benson-Robinson)1266,1269 : Clerkes eke, which konne wel Al this magik naturel..thrugh which magik To make a man ben hool or syk.
- c1450(?c1408) Lydg.RS (Frf 16)6050 : [The chessboard] Wroght out of an adamant, The whiche ston..Hath in magyk naturel..It draweth yren and eke stel.
- a1550 *Norton OAlch.(BodeMus 63)1692 : But the cheife maisters amonge sciences all for helpe of this arte is magike naturall.
b
- (c1390) Chaucer CT.ML.(Manly-Rickert)B.214 : Many a subtil reson forth they leyden; They speken of magyk and abusioun.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)6.1333 : Magique he useth forto winne His love and spareth for no Sinne.
- (a1393) Gower CA (Frf 3)6.1799 : He sih tofor the dede Thurgh magique of his Sorcerie..Hise enemys to him comende.
- (c1395) Chaucer CT.Fkl.(Manly-Rickert)F.1295 : Thurgh his magyk for a wyke or tweye, It semed that alle the rokkes were aweye.
- c1425(a1420) Lydg.TB (Aug A.4)1.3002 : A riche ymage of siluer..Whos power was and vertu to availle..Ageyn magyk and al enchauntment.
- 1447 Bokenham Sts.(Arun 327)9340 : Vp-on hyr oyle he dede caste Hopyng..for to waste..The myht of malgyk or enchauntement.