sorcerer
nounUK /ˈsɔːsəɹə(ɹ)/ · US /ˈsoɹ.sɚ.ɚ/
Etymology From Middle English sorcerere, from stem sorcer- (as in sorceresse and sorcery) + -ere, from Old French sorcer, sorcier, from Early Medieval Latin sortiārius, derived from Latin sortem (“fate, fortune”), from Proto-Indo-European *ser- (“to bind”).
1
Arts, Fantasy, Folklore, History, Human sciences, Literature, Media, Mysticism, Mythology, Philosophy, Publishing, Sciences A magician or wizard. Sometimes specifically male.
- Pope Joan, who once occupied the throne of the Vatican, was reputed to be the blackest sorcerer of them all.1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 105:
- These, it was believed, would prevent the Arch-fiend from entering the charmed ring and wreaking vengeance upon the sorcerers.1965, Attila Zohar, Kings Cross Black Magic, Sydney: Horwitz Publications, page 116:
2 more examples
- “Thou flibbertigibbet,” cried Catwezle, who had been listening, “all is clear as springwater. This Rapkyn was a sorcerer!”1970, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 50:
- "Well, sorcerer?" growled the Norman. "Nay, not well," replied Catweazle shivering miserably, "I have the bone-ache."1971, Richard Carpenter, Catweazle and the Magic Zodiac, Harmondsworth: Puffin Books, page 7:
2
Figuratively A person whose skills or abilities appear almost magical.
- The goalscorer was Eberechi Eze, Palace’s sorcerer-in-chief, and it came in the 16th minute from an assist by Daniel Muñoz, who was irrepressible up and down the right.2025 May 17, David Hytner, “Crystal Palace stun Manchester City to win FA Cup amid drama and Henderson controversy”, in The Guardian:
- Derived terms
- countersorcerer, Facciola's sorcerer, open sourceror, sorcerer's stone