exorciser

[Eng. exorcis (e); -er.] exorcisms. 1. One who exorcises or expels unclean spirits by "Things which they had seen done in their own times by profe ed exorcisers."-Horsley: Sermons, vol. i., ser. 10. *2. One who has power to call up spirits. "No exorciser harm thee, Nor no witchcraft charm thee." Shakesp.: Cymbeline , iv. 2. *ex-or-çişm, *ex-or-cis me, s . [Low Latin exorcism us , from Gr. exorkismos , from exorkizō ; Fr. exorcisme; Sp. exorcismo ; Ital. esorcismo .] 1. The act or practice of expelling unclean spirits from persons or places by means of adjuration, prayer, and ceremonies; the form of adjuration or prayer used in exorcising spirits. "Lo! what auailen incant a cions Of exorcismes and coniuracions? Lydgate: Story of Thebes , pt. iii. In the third century no applicant for Christian baptism was admitted to the sacred font till the exorcist had declared him free from bondage to the Prince of Darkne and now a servant of God. 2. The act of raising spirits by charms or conjur ing; the form or charm used in raising spirits. "Will his lordship behold and hear our exorcisms?" Shakesp.: Henry IV ., Pt . II ., i. 4. chin, bench; go, gem; thin, this; IMG:content-1266.png:[blocks in formation] II. Roman Theol.: The second of the Minor Or ders (q. v.). The exorcist at his ordination received a book of exorcisms, as significant of his office. The power of exorcism, now rarely exercised, has long been transferred to the priesthood. The exorcists came into existence as church officers in the third century, chiefly from the adoption by the Christians of the Neo-Platonic doctrine that evil spirits are very prone to lodge themselves within the human body, and that sin is committed, not so much through human pa ion as because of the seduction of foul fiends.