-Fairy-
noun
1. A fay; an imaginary being or spirit, supposed to assume a human form, dance in meadows, steal infants and play a variety of pranks. [See Elf and Demon.]
2. An enchantress.
Fairy of the mine, an imaginary being supposed to inhabit mines, wandering about in the drifts and chambers, always employed in cutting ore, turning the windlass, etc., yet effecting nothing. The Germans believe in two species; one fierce and malevolent; the other gentle. [See Cobalt.]
Fairy ring or circle, a phenomenon observed in fields, vulgarly supposed to be caused by fairies in their dances. This circle is of two kinds; one about seven yards in diameter, containing a round bare path, a foot broad, with green grass in the middle; the other of different size, encompassed with grass.
adjective
1. Belonging to fairies; as fairy land
2. Given by fairies; as fairy money or favors.
Commentary: I noted that the original definition refers to the fairy as imaginary. There are many fairies who may be the product of the imagination. Even in the 1800's, people were still coming up with fictional stories about these creatures.
I also noticed that the dictionary connected fairies with elves and demons. Why? Because it is very likely true! Many fantasy stories about fairies were based on encounters with real beings.
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-Demon-
noun
A spirit, or immaterial being, holding a middle place between men and the celestial deities of the Pagans. The ancients believed that there were good and evil demons, which had influence over the minds of men, and that these beings carried on an intercourse between men and gods, conveying the addresses of men to the gods, and divine benefits to men. Hence demons became the objects of worship. It was supposed also that human spirits, after their departure from the body, became demons, and that the souls of virtuous men, if highly purified, were exalted from demons into gods. The demons of the New Testament were supposed to be spiritual beings which vexed and tormented men. And in general , the word, in modern use, signifies an evil spirit or genius, which influences the conduct or directs the fortunes of mankind.
Commentary: A lot of interesting stuff here. For one, it is clear that Satan is not a demon. You may have already known that, but I wanted to simply confirm it. Demons seem to exist between the worlds of "gods" and men. This denotes that they simply don't belong anywhere. That is actually rather sad if you think on it.
The definition also suggests that it was believed that there were good and evil demons. Is this true? It's not impossible. The basic definition does not out-rightly claim demons to be evil. They are simply spirits caught between two worlds. Nevertheless, I wouldn't try and make friends with one. Play it safe. After all, the final part of the definition mentions the word "genius." Don't think for a moment you can outsmart one of these creatures.
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-Devil-
noun
1. In the Christian theology, an evil spirit or being; a fallen angel, expelled from heaven for rebellion against God; the chief of the apostate angels; the implacable enemy and tempter of the human race. In the New Testament, the word is frequently and erroneously used for demon.
2. A very wicked person, and in ludicrous language, an great evil. In profane language, it is an expletive expressing wonder, vexation, etc.
3. An idol, or false god. Leviticus 17:7. 2 Chronicles 11:15.
Commentary: A devil is actually a fallen angel. Satan would be included in this lot. These were the group of angels who turned against God. They are evil. They are also not demons, and this definition makes that clear. The 2nd and 3rd definition are common usage related and not really relevant to this discussion.
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-Magic-
noun
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.
Natural magic the application of natural causes to passive subjects, by which surprising effects are produced.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.
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.
Magic lantern, a dioptric machine invented by Kircher, which, by means of a map in a dark room, exhibits images of objects in their distinct colors and proportions, with the appearance of life itself.
Commentary: Did you see that? The art or science of superhuman beings. Were there beings who showed up one day and started to dazzle us with the impossible? There is also a little note left in brackets which suggests they have discontinued these practices... for some reason. Where did they go? Did they really cease practicing these arts, or did they simply hide these acts from the public?
The second definition states that magic is the secret operation of natural causes. This suggests that our own modern day technology is actually a form of magic. We are using the world around us to make amazing things happen. Is a smart phone magic? Take one back to 1828 and see what they think about it!
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-Witch-
noun
1. A woman who by compact with the devil, practices sorcery or enchantment.
2. A woman who is given to unlawful arts.
3. A winding sinuous bank.
verb transitive
To bewitch; to fascinate; to enchant.
I'll witch sweet ladies with my words and looks.
Commentary: This old definition of "witch" clearly shows that she is a female and has formed a compact with the devil. The usage of the article "the" suggests that the devil in question is likely Satan himself rather than just some other fallen angel. Even if it is a secondary fallen angel, Satan is still probably the one with the final say and ultimately controls the witch in any situation.
Thank you for reading my blog! Did you enjoy it? You can comment below or you can email me at tkwadeauthor@gmail.com. Thanks!
The words we use have a story to tell. They give us a hint of how things used to be. There are many things we do not understand, but that does not make them any less real.
ReplyDeleteYes, they have a story, but everyone went to see the movie instead.
DeleteWow! The definitions aren't divorced from the meaning we already understand. They confirm them, actually. The modern seems to VEER AWAY rather than TOWARDS the actual meaning. Yes, demons can be good, though their fathers never are. Women are the Devil's cannon-fodder.
ReplyDeleteModern definitions usually made words mean more specific things based on common usage. However, common usage is often influenced by the agendas of bad people. Don't worry. We'll go into more definitions later. Webster 1828 does have its flaws, but it is clear enough so that we can get an understanding into where the bad people are trying to take us. It's all in the difference.
DeleteFascinating and enlightening! It's funny how the further back we go the more humanity was willing to believe in impossible things, I view it as evidence of an intellectual effort to suppress the human mind. Interesting the mention of genius within the definition of Demon, yea you wouldn't want to try to outsmart one. The definition of Magic mentions "superhuman beings" and is does so as a matter of fact, really telling of the open mindedness of the era.
ReplyDeleteOh, most certainly. There was always the possibility of monsters in the forest. We were more attuned to such things and probably experienced them more often.
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