The spelling of the word "conjuries" may seem a bit confusing at first sight. However, it's not that difficult once you understand its phonetic transcription. The word is pronounced /ˈkʌndʒəriz/ with stress on the second syllable. The "i" before "e" in the second syllable is pronounced as /ɪ/ while the "e" at the end is silent. The word is plural of the noun "conjury" and means the practice of magic or witchcraft.
Conjuries is the plural form of the noun "conjury." Derived from the verb "conjure," it refers to the act or practice of conjuring, or invoking supernatural forces or entities through the use of spells, incantations, or rituals. Conjuries involve summoning or commanding spirits, magical beings, or occult powers, often carried out by skilled practitioners known as conjurers or magicians.
In a broader sense, conjuries can also encompass the performance of illusions or magic tricks, particularly for entertainment purposes. This definition acknowledges the use of conjuries in stage magic, where the illusionist creates a sense of wonder or mystery through the mastery of their craft. Such conjuries employ misdirection, sleight of hand, and other techniques aimed at deceiving or impressing an audience.
Conjuries have a long history and are deeply rooted in diverse cultural and religious traditions. From ancient times, various societies across the globe have practiced forms of conjury, often as part of religious ceremonies, healing rituals, or divination practices. Conjuries have also featured prominently in folklore, myths, and literature, often portrayed as a powerful and mystical art, capable of harnessing supernatural forces for benevolent or malevolent purposes.
Overall, conjuries encompass both the mystical and theatrical aspects of conjuring, representing the invocation or manipulation of supernatural forces, as well as the performance of tricks or illusions to captivate an audience.
The word "conjury" comes from the Old French word "conjurer", which means "to conjure" or "to invoke". It further traces back to the Latin word "conjurare", consisting of "con-" (together) and "jurare" (to swear or take an oath). Originally, the term "conjure" referred to the act of calling upon or summoning spirits or supernatural forces through a ritual. Over time, the word also gained the meaning of performing magic tricks or illusions, as well as the more general sense of using skill or ingenuity to achieve something.