1823. Bee, Dict. Turf, s.v. Hocus or Hocus Pocus.... A deleterious
drug mixed with wine, etc., which enfeebles the person acted upon.
Adj. (old).—See quots. For synonyms, see Drinks and Screwed.
1725. New. Cant. Dict., s.v. Hocus, disguised in Liquor; drunk.
1785. Grose, Vulg. Tongue, s.v. Hocus Pocus, he is quite hocus, he
is quite drunk.
Verb (old: now recognised).—1. To cheat; to impose upon.