First Known Use: 1647
Dictionary
1hocus–pocus
noun ho·cus–po·cus \ˌhō-kəs-ˈpō-kəs\
: language or activity that is meant to trick or confuse people
Full Definition of HOCUS-POCUS
1
2
: nonsense or sham used especially to cloak deception
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Origin of HOCUS-POCUS
probably from hocus pocus, imitation Latin phrase used by jugglers
Related to HOCUS-POCUS
- Synonyms
- conjuring, hocus-pocus, legerdemain, prestidigitation
2hocus–pocus
verb
hocus–pocussed or hocus–pocusedhocus–pocus·sing or hocus–pocus·ing
Definition of HOCUS-POCUS
transitive verb
: to play tricks on
First Known Use of HOCUS-POCUS
1774
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