EXORCISM

(Gr. exorkizein, to expel with an oath), the casting out of evil spirits by certain forms of words or ceremonies. An opinion prevailed in the ancient Church that certain persons, those particularly who were afflicted with certain diseases, especially madne and epilepsy, were po e ed by evil spirits; this was called demeniac po c i on. Over such persons forms of conjuration were pronounced, and this act was called exorcism. There were even certain men who made this a regular profe ion, and were called exorcists. Exorcism still forms a part of the beliefs of some Churches. In the Roman Catholic Church exorcist is one of the inferior orders of the clergy.—Cf. Sir J. G. Frazer, The Golden Bough.