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hocus-pocus

noun ho·cus-po·cus \ ˌhō-kəs-ˈpō-kəs \

Definition of hocus-pocus

1 : sleight of hand
2 : nonsense or sham used especially to cloak deception

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Origin and Etymology of hocus-pocus

probably from hocus pocus, imitation Latin phrase used by jugglers

hocus-pocus Synonyms

Synonyms

conjuring, legerdemain, magic, prestidigitation;

Related Words

deception, deceptiveness, trickery;

Phrases

sleight of hand;

2

hocus-pocus

verb

Definition of hocus-pocus

hocus-pocussed or hocus-pocused; hocus-pocussing or hocus-pocusing
transitive verb
: to play tricks on

First Known Use of hocus-pocus

1774

in the meaning defined above

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HOCUS-POCUS Defined for English Language Learners

hocus-pocus

noun

Definition of hocus-pocus for English Language Learners

  • : language or activity that is meant to trick or confuse people

Learn More about hocus-pocus

  1. See words that rhyme with hocus-pocus Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for hocus-pocus

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