Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Charm?

\Charm\, n. [F. charme, fr. L. carmen song, verse, incantation, for casmen, akin to Skr. [,c]asman, [,c]as[=a], a laudatory song, from a root signifying to praise, to sing.] 1. A melody; a song. [Obs.] With charm of earliest birds. --Milton. Free liberty to chant our charms at will. --Spenser. 2. A word or combination of words sung or spoken in the practice of magic; a magical combination of words, characters, etc.; an incantation. My high charms work. --Shak. 3. That which exerts an irresistible power to please and attract; that which fascinates; any alluring quality. Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul. --Pope. The charm of beauty's powerful glance. --Milton. 4. Anything worn for its supposed efficacy to the wearer in averting ill or securing good fortune. 5. Any small decorative object worn on the person, as a seal, a key, a silver whistle, or the like. Bunches of charms are often worn at the watch chain. Syn: Syn. - Spell; incantation; conjuration; enchantment; fascination; attraction.
\Charm\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Charmed}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Charming}.] [Cf. F. charmer. See {Charm}, n.] 1. To make music upon; to tune. [Obs. & R.] Here we our slender pipes may safely charm. --Spenser. 2. To subdue, control, or summon by incantation or supernatural influence; to affect by magic. No witchcraft charm thee! --Shak. 3. To subdue or overcome by some secret power, or by that which gives pleasure; to allay; to soothe. Music the fiercest grief can charm. --Pope. 4. To attract irresistibly; to delight exceedingly; to enchant; to fascinate. They, on their mirth and dance Intent, with jocund music charm his ear. --Milton. 5. To protect with, or make invulnerable by, spells, charms, or supernatural influences; as, a charmed life. I, in my own woe charmed, Could not find death. --Shak. Syn: Syn. - To fascinate; enchant; enrapture; captivate; bewitch; allure; subdue; delight; entice; transport.
\Charm\, v. i. 1. To use magic arts or occult power; to make use of charms. The voice of charmers, charming never so wisely. --Ps. lviii. 5. 2. To act as, or produce the effect of, a charm; to please greatly; to be fascinating. 3. To make a musical sound. [Obs.] --Milton.