Charms
/tʃɑːrmz/noun
Words, objects, or actions believed to possess magical power, or pleasing personal qualities that attract others.
Did you know?The Latin word carmen meant both a song or poem and a magical formula, linking artistic speech with ritual power in the ancient world.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kan-
“To sing or utter a song”
Classical Latin
Latin
canere
“To sing or recite in verse”
Classical Latin
Latin
carmen
“A song, poem, prophetic utterance, or magical formula”
12th Century
Old French
charme
“A spell, incantation, or magical charm”
14th Century
Middle English
charme
“A magical formula, enchantment, or quality that delights”
Modern English
English
charms
“Magical objects or formulas, or attractive qualities”