DCHP-3

conjurer

DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

an Indian magician or shaman who practises healing by means of charms and the exorcism of evil spirits or by practical remedies such as administering herbs and sweat baths.

See: medicine-man(def. 1a)

Quotations

1784-1812
For to acquire this important knowledge, they have recourse to Dreams and other superstitions; and a few of their best conjurers sometimes take a bold method of imposing upon themselves and others.
1907
When becalmed on a fair day the conjurer or "Windmaker" would volunteer to raise the wind.
1964
I had heard unbelievable stories about the uncanny performances of native conjurers in different parts of the north where I had been but never thought I would sometime become the object of their deliberations.
2n. — Obs.

See 1865 quote.

Quotations

1852
Roused the cook at four A.M.; had breakfast comfortably, but our conjurer is rather small to supply seven.
1865
. . . this they did by taking a whale-boat, a "conjuror" (a portable cooking apparatus), two guns and ammunition. . . .