(from the Greek *σαστικός*, to fascinate or bewitch), a sort of witchcraft supposed to operate either by the eye or the tongue.

Ancient writers distinguish two sorts of fascination, one performed by looking, or the efficacy of the eye. Such is that spoken of by Virgil in his third eclogue:

*Neque quis teneros oculos mihi fascinat agnos.*

The second by words, and especially malignant praises. Such is that mentioned by the same poet in his seventh eclogue:

*Ait, si ultra placitum Laudabit, bacare frontem Cingite, ne vati necat poeta lingua futura.*

Horace touches on both kinds in his first book of epistles:

*Non istic obliquo oculo mea commodis quisquam Limat, non oblituro, morsaque venient.*