Hypertext Webster Gateway: "exorcise"
From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)
Exorcise \Ex"or*cise\ ([e^]ks"[o^]r*s[imac]z), v. t. [imp. & p.
p. {Exorcised} (-s[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Exorcising}
(-s[imac]`z[i^]ng).] [L. exorcizare, Gr. 'exorki`zein; 'ex
out + "orki`zein to make one swear, bind by an oath, fr.
"o`rkos oath: cf. F. exorciser.]
1. To cast out, as a devil, evil spirits, etc., by
conjuration or summoning by a holy name, or by certain
ceremonies; to expel (a demon) or to conjure (a demon) to
depart out of a person possessed by one.
He impudently excorciseth devils in the church.
--Prynne.
2. To deliver or purify from the influence of an evil spirit
or demon.
Exorcise the beds and cross the walls. --Dryden.
Mr. Spectator . . . do all you can to exorcise
crowds who are . . . processed as I am. --Spectator.
From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)
exorcise
v : expel through adjuration or prayers; of evil spirits; in
certain religions [syn: {exorcize}]
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