Emily Dickinson Lexicon

MAG'GOT-I-NESS, n.

The state of abounding with maggots.

MAG'GOT-Y, a.

Full of maggots.

MAG'GOT-Y-HEAD-ED, a.

Having a head full of whims. L. of Wood.

MA'GI, n. [plur. L.]

Wise men or philosophers of the East. Fotherby.

MAG'I-AN, a. [L. magus; Gr. μαγος.]

Pertaining to the Magi, a sect of philosophers in Persia.

MAGI-AN, n.

One of the sect of the Persian Magi, who hold that there are two principles, one the cause of good, the other of evil. The knowledge of these philosophers was deemed by the vulgar to be supernatural. Encyc.

MA'GI-AN-ISM, n.

The philosophy or doctrines of the Magi.

MAG'IC, or MAG'ICAL, a.

1. Pertaining to magic; used in magic; as, a magic wand; magic art.
2. Performed by magic, the agency of spirits, or by the invisible powers of nature; as, magical effects.

MAG'IC, n. [L. magia; Gr. μαγεια, from Μαγος, a philosopher among the Persians.]

1. The art or science of putting into action the power of spirits; or the science of producing wonderful effects by the aid of superhuman beings, or of departed spirits; sorcery; enchantment. [This art or science is now discarded.]
2. The secret operations of natural causes. Bacon. Natural magic, the application of natural causes to passive subjects, by which surprising effects are produced. Encyc. Celestial magic, attributes to spirits a kind of dominion over the planets, and to the planets an influence over men. Superstitious or geotic magic, consists in the invocation of devils or demons, and supposes some tacit or express agreement between them and human beings. Encyc. Magic square, a square figure, formed by a series of numbers in mathematical proportion, so disposed in parallel and equal ranks, as that the sums of each row or line taken perpendicularly, horizontally, or diagonally, are equal. Encyc. Magic lantern, a dioptric machine invented by Kircher, which, by means of a lamp in a dark room, exhibits images of objects in their distinct colors and proportions, with the appearance of life itself. Encyc.

MAG'IC-AL-LY, adv.

By the arts of magic; according to the rules or rites of magic; by enchantment. Camden.

MA-GI'CIAN, n.

One skilled in magic; one that practices the black art; an enchanter; a necromancer; a sorcerer or sorceress. Locke. Waller.

MA-GILP', n.

A gelatinous compound of oil and mastic varnish used by artists as a vehicle for colors.

MAG-IS-TE'RI-AL, a. [See Magistrate.]

1. Pertaining to a master; such as suits a master; authoritative. Dryden.
2. Proud; lofty; arrogant; imperious; domineering. Pretenses go a great way with men that take fair words and magisterial looks for current payment. L'Estrange.
3. In chimistry, pertaining to magistery — which see.

MAG-IS-TE'RI-AL-LY, adv.

With the air and manner of a master; arrogantly; authoritatively. Bacon. South.

MAG-IS-TE'RI-AL-NESS, n.

The air and manner of a master; haughtiness; imperiousness; peremptoriness. Nelson.

MAG'IS-TER-Y, n. [L. magisterium.]

Among chimists, a precipitate; a fine substance deposited by precipitation; usually applied to particular kinds of precipitate, as that of bismuth, coal, crab's eyes, sulphur, &c. [Obs.] Encyc.

MAG'IS-TRA-CY, n. [See Magistrate.]

1. The office or dignity of a magistrate. Dueling is not only an usurpation of the divine prerogative, but it is an insult upon magistracy. Clarissa.
2. The body of magistrates.

MAG'IS-TRAL, a.

Suiting a magistrate; authoritative. [Obs.]

MAG'IS-TRAL, n.

A sovereign medicine or remedy. [Obs.]

MAG-IS-TRAL'ITY, n.

Despotic authority in opinion. [Obs.] Bacon.

MAG'IS-TRAL-LY, adv.

Authoritatively; with imperiousness. [Obs.] Bramhall.

MAGIS-TRATE, n. [L. magistratus, from magister, master; majis, major, and ster, Teutonic steora, a director; steoran, to steer; the principal director.]

A public civil officer, invested with the executive government or some branch of it. In this sense, a king is the highest or first magistrate, as is the President of the United States. But the word is more particularly applied to subordinate officers, as governors, intendants, prefects, mayors, justices of the peace, and the like. The magistrate must have his reverence; the laws their authority. Burke.

MAG-IS-TRAT'IC, a.

Having the authority of a magistrate. Taylor.

MAG'IS-TRA-TURE, n. [Fr.]

Magistracy. [Little used.]

MAG'MA, n.

Any crude mixture of mineral or organic matters, in the state of a thin paste. Ure.