/hoh"keuhs poh"keuhs/ , n. , v. , hocus-pocused, hocus-pocusing or ( esp. Brit. ) hocus-pocussed, hocus-pocussing .
n.
1. a meaningless chant or expression used in conjuring or incantation.
2. a juggler's trick; sleight of hand.
3. trickery; deception.
4. unnecessarily mysterious or elaborate activity or talk to cover up a deception, magnify a simple purpose, etc.
v.t.
5. to play tricks on or with.
v.i.
6. to perform tricks; practice trickery or deception.
[ 1615-25; pseudo-Latin rhyming formula used by jugglers and magicians ]
Syn. 3. deceit, dishonesty, hanky-panky, double-dealing.