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Webster's Dictionary (1865)

3 entries under this word

Charm

Chārm, n.

noun

n. [Fr. charme, charm, O. Fr., spell, magic sentence, from Lat. carmen, song, verse, incantation, for casmen, Skr. çasman, a laudatory song, from cans, to praise.]

Sense 1. A magic spell; a sentence or combination of characters supposed to exert supernatural powers. “My high charms work.” Shak.

Sense 2. Any thing worn for its supposed efficacy on the wearer, in averting ill or securing good fortune.

Sense 3. That which exerts an irresistible power to please and attract; that which fascinates. “The charm of beauty’s powerful glance.” Milton.

Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the soul. Pope.

Sense 4. A melody; a song. [Obs.] “With charm of earliest birds.” Milton.

Free liberty to chant our charms at will. Spenser.

Chärm, v. t.

verbtransitive

v. t. [imp. & p. p. CHARMED; p. pr. & vb. n. CHARMING.] [Fr. charmer; Lat. carminare, to make verses, L. Lat., to enchant by magic verses. See supra.]

  1. To subdue, control, or summon by incantation or supernatural influence. “No witchcraft charm thee.” Shak.
  2. To subdue or soothe by some secret power, or by that which gives pleasure; to allay.

Music the fiercest grief can charm. Pope. 3. To attract irresistibly; to delight exceedingly; to enchant; to fascinate. They, on their mirth and dance intent, With jocund music charm his ear. Milton.

  1. To fortify with charms or supernatural influences. “I bear a charmed life.” Shak.
  2. To utter, or cause to make, musical sounds. [Obs.]

Here we our slender pipes may charm. Spenser. Syn.—To fascinate; enchant; enrapture; captivate; bewitch; allure; subdue; delight.

Chärm, v. i.

verbintransitive

To produce the effect of a charm; to act as a charm; to please greatly.