Fas"ci*nate (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Fascinated (?), p. pr. & vb. n..
Fascinating (&?;).] [L. fascinare; cf. Gr.
&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?;&?; to slander, bewitch.] 1. To influence in
an uncontrollable manner; to operate on by some powerful or
irresistible charm; to bewitch; to enchant.
It has been almost universally believed that . . . serpents can
stupefy and fascinate the prey which they are desirous to obtain.
Griffith (Cuvier).
2. To excite and allure irresistibly or powerfully; to charm; to
captivate, as by physical or mental charms.
There be none of the passions that have been noted to fascinate or
bewitch but love and envy.
Bacon.
Syn. -- To charm; enrapture; captivate; enchant; bewitch; attract.
Fas`ci*na"tion (?), n. [L. fascinatio; cf. F. fascination.] 1. The act
of fascinating, bewitching, or enchanting; enchantment; witchcraft; the
exercise of a powerful or irresistible influence on the affections or
passions; unseen, inexplicable influence.
The Turks hang old rags . . . upon their fairest horses, and other
goodly creatures, to secure them against fascination.
Waller.