exorcise: to expel or drive off an evil spirit with a special ritual; to deliver a person from being possessed by a demon.

Dictionary of Sexology Project: Main Index

Ex"or*cise (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exorcised ; p. pr. & vb. n. Exorcising .] [L. exorcizare, Gr. ; out+ to make one swear, bind by an 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.

 

© Webster 1913.

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