sorcery

noun

Etymology: From Middle English sorcery, borrowed from Middle French sorcerie, ultimately derived from Latin sors (“fate”), from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to bind”). Cognate with serō, seriēs, sermō. Compare also French sorcier.

1. Magical power; the use of witchcraft or magic arts.

   “The tale is full of magic and sorcery.”

   “In the Middle Ages, people were often accused of practicing sorcery.”

2. Black magic.