English Explanatory Dictionary

hocus

English dictionary entry

Meanings

verb
  1. To play a trick on, to trick (someone); to hoax; to cheat.
  2. To stupefy (someone) with drugged liquor (especially in order to steal from them).
  3. To drug (liquor).
  4. To adulterate (food).
noun
  1. A magician, illusionist, one who practises sleight of hand.
  2. One who cheats or deceives.
  3. Trick; trickery.
  4. Drugged liquor.

Pronunciation

/ˈhəʊkəs/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-hocus.wav

Word forms

hocus hocuses hocusses hocusing hocussing hocused hocussed

Etymology

Shortened from hocus-pocus. The verb is from the noun.

Related words

hocus-pocus
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