Charm

Charm (through Fr. from Lat. carmen, 'a song'), properly a form of words, generally in verse, supposed to possess some occult power of a hurtful, a healing, or a protective kind; hence applied to anything which exercises an irresistible power to please and attract. Charms exert their influence either by being recited, or by being written and worn on the person; and, in this latter case, they may be classed with Amulets (q.v.). The nature of this superstition will be considered under INCANTATION; see also MAGIC.