spellwork

See also: spell-work and spell work

English

Alternative forms

• spell work, spell-work

Etymology

From spell +‎ work.

Noun

spellwork (uncountable)

1. Any magical practice involving creating or casting spells, especially new enchantments or spells which are intricate or complex.
   • 1994, Edain McCoy, A Witch's Guide to Faery Folk, →ISBN, page 116:

     All spellwork with faeries should be done within the safe confines of your circle, with the faeries just outside its perimeter.

   • 2009, Louie Jerome, Peter and the Black Dog, →ISBN, page 46:

     I did have a passing interest in Wicca, but once I realized that spell work was involved, I stopped.

2. The formula or formulation of one or more spells or enchantments; the individual parts constituting such a formulation; the inner workings or structure of a spell.
   • 1993, "Celtic Magic by D. J. Conway" (advertisement) in Ted Andrews, Enchantment of the Faerie Realm, →ISBN, p. 224:

     There is also an in-depth discussion of Celtic deities and the Celtic way of life and worship, so that an intermediate practitioner can expand upon the spellwork to build a series of magical rituals.

   • 2001, Richard A. Knaak, Legacy of Blood, →ISBN, page 82:

     The spellwork she had utilized to quicker get her to her destination had taken too much from the dark mage.

Hyponyms

• (magical practice): charmwork, wandwork

Related terms

• cantrip
• spellbook
• spellcraft
• spellfire
• spellcaster
• spellcasting