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Abracadabra
Magical formula used by the Gnostics
to invoke the aid of benevolent spirits to ward off disease and
affliction. It is supposed to be derived from the abraxas, a word that was
engraved on gems and amulets or was variously
worn as a protective charm. Handed down through the Middle Ages, the
abracadabra gradually lost its occult significance, and its meaning was
extended to cover any hocus-pocus.
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