magical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite possessing or using or characteristic of or appropriate to supernatural powers
    magic; wizard; witching; wizardly; charming; sorcerous.
    • charming incantations
    • magic signs that protect against adverse influence
    • a magical spell
    • 'tis now the very witching time of night"- Shakespeare
    • wizard wands
    • wizardly powers

WordNet

Mag"ic noun
Etymology
OE. magique, L. magice, Gr. (sc. ), fr. . See Magic, a., and Magi.
Definitions
  1. A comprehensive name for all of the pretended arts which claim to produce effects by the assistance of supernatural beings, or departed spirits, or by a mastery of secret forces in nature attained by a study of occult science, including enchantment, conjuration, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, incantation, etc.
    An appearance made by some magic. Chaucer.
    Syn. -- Sorcery; witchcraft; necromancy; conjuration; enchantment.
Mag"ic, Mag"ic*al adjective (Also<
  • Magic
  • Magical
)
Etymology
L. magicus, Gr. , fr. : cf. F. magique. See Magi.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining to the hidden wisdom supposed to be possessed by the Magi; relating to the occult powers of nature, and the producing of effects by their agency.
  2. Performed by, or proceeding from, occult and superhuman agencies; done by, or seemingly done by, enchantment or sorcery. Hence: Seemingly requiring more than human power; imposing or startling in performance; producing effects which seem supernatural or very extraordinary; having extraordinary properties; as, a magic lantern; a magic square or circle.
    The painter's magic skill. Cowper.
    ✍ Although with certain words magic is used more than magical, -- as, magic circle, magic square, magic wand, -- we may in general say magic or magical; as, a magic or magical effect; a magic or magical influence, etc. But when the adjective is predicative, magical, and not magic, is used; as, the effect was magical.

Webster 1913