prestidigitation

Definition

A performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands.

Etymology

From French prestidigitation, from French preste (“nimble, quick”) + Latin digitus (“finger”) + French -ation (process suffix). The word has a different origin from prestige, even though this in the past has meant “delusion, illusion, trick”.

Example Sentences

• "My favorite prestidigitation was when he pulled the live dove out of that tiny scarf."
• "He borrowed another hat and displayed its perfect emptiness; he held up his empty hands: "This is one of the most marvellous bits of prestidigitation known," he said. "You have all seen this hat holds nothing in the world: I will now see if I can extract anything from its emptiness. You can all observe my hands go nowhere but into the hat, and they are both open and turned to you. Yet what is this?""
• "His writing was peppered with verbal tricks and prestidigitation."

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