Charm (chärm), n. [F.
charme, fr. L. carmen song, verse, incantation, for
casmen, akin to Skr. çasman,
çasā, a laudatory song, from a root
signifying to praise, to sing.] 1.
A melody; a song. [Obs.]
With charm of earliest birds.
Milton.
Free liberty to chant our charms at
will.
Spenser.
2. A word or combination of words sung or
spoken in the practice of magic; a magical combination of words,
characters, etc.; an incantation.
My high charms work.
Shak.
3. That which exerts an irresistible
power to please and attract; that which fascinates; any alluring
quality.
Charms strike the sight, but merit wins the
soul.
Pope.
The charm of beauty's powerful glance.
Milton.
4. Anything worn for its supposed
efficacy to the wearer in averting ill or securing good
fortune.
5. Any small decorative object worn on
the person, as a seal, a key, a silver whistle, or the like.
Bunches of charms are often worn at the watch
chain.
Syn. - Spell; incantation; conjuration; enchantment;
fascination; attraction.
Charm, v. t. [imp. & p.
p. Charmed (?); p. pr. & vb.
n. Charming.] [Cf. F. charmer. See
Charm, n.] 1. To
make music upon; to tune. [Obs. & R.]
Here we our slender pipes may safely
charm.
Spenser.
2. To subdue, control, or summon by
incantation or supernatural influence; to affect by
magic.
No witchcraft charm thee!
Shak.
3. To subdue or overcome by some secret
power, or by that which gives pleasure; to allay; to
soothe.
Music the fiercest grief can charm.
Pope.
4. To attract irresistibly; to delight
exceedingly; to enchant; to fascinate.
They, on their mirth and dance
Intent, with jocund music charm his ear.
Milton.
5. To protect with, or make invulnerable
by, spells, charms, or supernatural influences; as, a
charmed life.
I, in my own woe charmed,
Could not find death.
Shak.
Syn. - To fascinate; enchant; enrapture; captivate;
bewitch; allure; subdue; delight; entice; transport.
Charm, v. i. 1.
To use magic arts or occult power; to make use of
charms.
The voice of charmers, charming never so
wisely.
Ps. lviii. 5.
2. To act as, or produce the effect of, a
charm; to please greatly; to be fascinating.
3. To make a musical sound. [Obs.]
Milton.
