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v. con·jured, con·jur·ing, con·jures v.tr. 1. a. To summon (a devil or spirit) by magical or supernatural power. b. To influence or effect by or as if by magic: tried to conjure away the doubts that beset her. 2. a. To call or bring to mind; evoke: "Arizona conjures up an image of stark deserts for most Americans" (American Demographics). b. To imagine; picture: "a sight to store away, then conjure up someday when they were no longer together" (Nelson DeMille). 3. Archaic To call on or entreat solemnly, especially by an oath. v.intr. 1. To perform magic tricks, especially by sleight of hand. 2. a. To summon a devil by magic or supernatural power. b. To practice black magic. adj. Chiefly Southern US Of or practicing folk magic: a conjure woman. [Middle English conjuren, from Old French conjurer, to use a spell, from Late Latin coniūrāre, to pray by something holy, from Latin, to swear together : com-, com- + iūrāre, to swear; see yewes- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] |
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