magic words, characters, or ceremonies, whereby evil spirits, tempests, &c. are supposed to be raised, or driven away. The Romish priests pretend to expel devils, by preparing holy water in a particular manner, and sprinkling it over the possessed, with a number of conjurations, and exorcisms. See EXORCISM.

Some authors make the difference between conjuration and witchcraft to consist in this; that the former effects its end by prayers, and invocation of God's name, &c. to compel the devil to do what is desired; so that the conjurer is supposed to be at war with the devil, and that evil spirit to act merely out of constraint: whereas the latter attains its end by an immediate application to the devil himself; and the devil's compliance is supposed to be the consequence of some compact between them, so that the devil and the witch have a good understanding together. Both these, again, differ from enchantment and sorcery; in that these latter operate secretly, and slowly, by spells, charms, &c. without ever calling on the devil, or having any conference with him.