prestidigitation

[ pres-ti-dij-i-tey-shuhn ]

noun

1. sleight of hand; legerdemain.

prestidigitation

/ ˌprɛstɪˌdɪdʒɪˈteɪʃən /

noun

1. another name for sleight of hand

Derived Forms

• ˌprestiˈdigiˌtator, noun

Other Words From

• presti·digi·tator noun
• pres·ti·dig·i·ta·to·ry [pres-ti-, dij, -i-t, uh, -tawr-ee, -tohr-ee], presti·digi·ta·tori·al adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestidigitation¹

First recorded in 1840–45; from French preste “nimble” (from Italian presto ) + Latin digit(us) “finger” + French -ation; or perhaps based on prestigiateur “juggler, conjurer,” derivative of Latin praestīgiae “juggler's tricks”; presto, prestige, digit, -ation

Word History and Origins

Origin of prestidigitation¹

C19: from French: quick-fingeredness, from Latin praestigiae feats of juggling, tricks, probably influenced by French preste nimble, and Latin digitus finger; see prestige

Example Sentences

Still, the biggest act of prestidigitation is yet to come, and actually occurs after Pence provides his proof texts.

From Salon

“Even your headmaster, Dr. Throckmorton, had no idea about the true nature of this so-called competition. My undercover judges have witnessed many great accomplishments over the course of this winter term. Impressive test scores. Amazing musical performances. Fascinating scientific presentations. Impressive feats of prestidigitation. But, ladies and gentlemen, there was more to this competition than met the eye. You see, we weren’t interested in your grades, how many offices you held, if you won a basketball game or even the talent show.”

From Literature

Roberts tried to work around this problem through some trademark prestidigitation.

From Slate

Because every fellowship needs a sorcerer, the party is sent to find Willow, who has gained stature in his community but nevertheless feels something of a fraud— the move by which he defeated the film’s villainess was not magickal magic but ordinary prestidigitation.

From Los Angeles Times

This 10-day event reliably squeezes its biggest premieres into its opening weekend, ensuring sold-out shows and maximum media exposure; even still, it was a bold move to program the world premiere of “The Fabelmans” less than an hour after that of another dazzling feat of cinematic prestidigitation: “Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery,” Rian Johnson’s splendidly entertaining follow-up to his 2019 Toronto-premiered murder mystery, “Knives Out.”

From Los Angeles Times