witchcraft
n. uncountablen. the use of magic or special powers, especially to influence people or events. In many stories, it involves casting spells or using herbs.
n. the practice of magic, particularly involving the use of spells and the invocation of spirits. Often associated with historical folklore or modern neo-pagan religious practices.
The old stories are full of mystery and witchcraft.
During the seventeenth century, many innocent people were accused of practicing witchcraft due to local superstitions.
Anthropologists study how accusations of witchcraft often surface during periods of social instability, serving as a mechanism to explain misfortune or enforce community norms.
From Middle English wicchecraft, wicchecreft, from Old English wiċċecræft, equivalent to witch + -craft.
Typically used without an article when referring to the practice in general.