a. [f. as prec. + -OUS.]
1. Of the nature of, pertaining to or connected with, sorcery.
1546. Bale, Eng. Votaries, I. 24. He wolde in no wyse commen with them … least they shuld after any sorcerous sort bywytche hym.
1577. Harrison, England, II. ix. (1877), 178. By sundrie sorcerous and artificiall practises whereby the working of the said elements were restreined.
1605. Chapman, Byron’s Trag., IV. ii. O that in mine Eyes Were all the Sorcerous poyson of my woes.
1646. Gaule, Cases Cons., 41. Lord! how many are the sorcerous superstitions of the Many?
1698. Fryer, Acc. E. India & P., 277. Lest an evil Tongue should have a Sorcerous effect.
1835. J. Harris, Gt. Teacher (1837), 284. In the face of this sorcerous and powerful delusion.
1880. Swinburne, Birthday Ode, 207. From fairy-footed fields … And sorcerous woods of Rhineland.
2. Dealing in or exercising sorcery.
1550. Bale, Eng. Votaries, II. 11. Theophylactus … whych after .xv. yeares solde the Papacy to Johan Gracyan hys sorcerouse companyon.
1633. D. R[ogers], Treatise of Sacr., i. 123. Which words … our Saviour did not (as a Sorcerous Priest) murmour over the Bread and Wine.
Hence Sorcerously adv., in a sorcerous manner, by means of sorcery.
1646. Gaule, Cases of Consc., 128. What Act or Instrument of Man … that … may not be sorcerously abused? Ibid. (1652), Magastrom., 193. Divination is temptingly and sorcerously sought for.
