U.S. [f. as prec.] A political speaker capable of holding an audience spell-bound.
1888. New York Tribune, 15 Nov., 6/1. The Republican Orator—‘Spellbinders’—who worked during the recent compaign.
1888. Boston (Mass.) Jrnl., 23 Dec., 2/2. The Republican campaign orators … intend forming themselves into a permanent organization to be called the Republican Spellbinders’ National Association.
1896. N. Y. Weekly Witness, 30 Dec., 13/1. Highrollers, as the boss spellbinders are technically called.
Hence Spellbinding vbl. sb.
1896. N. Y. Weekly Witness, 30 Dec., 13/1. He prayed to be permitted to try his hand at spellbinding.
