DCHP-2
conjurer DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
THIS ENTRY MAY CONTAIN OUTDATED INFORMATION, TERMS and EXAMPLES
1 n.
an Indian magician or shaman who practises healing by means of charms and the exorcism of evil spirits or by practical remedies such as administering herbs and sweat baths.
See also: medicine-man (def. 1a)
- 1784-1812 (1916) For to acquire this important knowledge, they have recourse to Dreams and other superstitions; and a few of their best conjurers sometimes take a bold method of imposing upon themselves and others.
- 1907 When becalmed on a fair day the conjurer or "Windmaker" would volunteer to raise the wind.
- 1964 I had heard unbelievable stories about the uncanny performances of native conjurers in different parts of the north where I had been but never thought I would sometime become the object of their deliberations.
- 1784-1812 (1916) For to acquire this important knowledge, they have recourse to Dreams and other superstitions; and a few of their best conjurers sometimes take a bold method of imposing upon themselves and others.
2 n. — Obs.
See 1865 quote.
- 1852 Roused the cook at four A.M.; had breakfast comfortably, but our conjurer is rather small to supply seven.
- 1865 . . . this they did by taking a whale-boat, a "conjuror" (a portable cooking apparatus), two guns and ammunition. . . .
- 1852 Roused the cook at four A.M.; had breakfast comfortably, but our conjurer is rather small to supply seven.