necromance

[ nek-ruh-mans ]

verb (used with object)

, nec·ro·manced, nec·ro·manc·ing.

1. to use witchcraft, sorcery, or divination on or with (someone or something), as to reanimate the dead, foretell the future, or magically interpret mysteries:

   In the novel, an unknown entity is using a secret spell to necromance skeletal soldiers and take over the world.

2. to reintroduce or revive (something old, inactive, etc.), such as an earlier topic of discussion, an abandoned practice, or a worn-out piece of equipment:

   I spent many hours necromancing that ancient Batman costume of mine for Halloween.

   It takes some very dedicated historians, critics, and film editors to necromance films that would otherwise be forgotten.

verb (used without object)

, nec·ro·manced, nec·ro·manc·ing.

1. to reintroduce or revive something old, inactive, etc., such as an earlier topic of discussion or an abandoned practice:

   I know I’m necromancing here, but let me go back to a question from last month's thread.

Word History and Origins

Origin of necromance¹

First recorded in 1720–30; back formation from necromancer ( def )