Grimoire: meaning, definitions and examples

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grimoire

 

[ ɡrɪˈmwɑːr ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

magic book

A grimoire is a book of magic spells and invocations, typically including instructions on how to create magical objects like talismans and amulets. Grimoires are often associated with occult practices and are believed to contain secret knowledge passed down through generations.

Synonyms

book of spells, occult book, spellbook.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
grimoire

This term is often used in contexts related to mystical, magical, or fantasy settings. Typically found in literature, films, and games focusing on ancient or esoteric wisdom.

  • He found an old grimoire in the attic, filled with ancient spells.
  • The wizard's grimoire contained secrets that could alter reality.
spellbook

This term is more common in casual and gaming contexts, often used to describe a book where a person (like a wizard or witch) keeps their collection of spells.

  • The wizard leafed through his spellbook to find the right incantation.
  • She opened her spellbook and began to chant the ancient words.
book of spells

This phrase is straightforward and can be used in general contexts to refer to any book that contains instructions for casting spells. Suitable for both casual and formal mentions of magic.

  • She carried a book of spells everywhere she went.
  • The library had a dusty book of spells hidden in the corner.
occult book

Used when referring to books that cover various topics of the occult, not just spells. This term can have a slightly negative or mysterious connotation.

  • During the investigation, they discovered an occult book with dark rituals.
  • He was fascinated by the occult book found in the old mansion.

Examples of usage

  • The wizard consulted his grimoire for a powerful spell to defeat the dragon.
  • She inherited an ancient grimoire from her grandmother, filled with mysterious symbols and incantations.

Translations

Translations of the word "grimoire" in other languages:

🇵🇹 grimório

🇮🇳 जादू की किताब

🇩🇪 Zauberbuch

🇮🇩 kitab sihir

🇺🇦 гримуар

🇵🇱 grimoire

🇯🇵 魔道書

🇫🇷 grimoire

🇪🇸 grimorio

🇹🇷 büyü kitabı

🇰🇷 마도서

🇸🇦 كتاب السحر

🇨🇿 grimoár

🇸🇰 grimoár

🇨🇳 魔法书

🇸🇮 grimoar

🇮🇸 galdrabók

🇰🇿 сиқыр кітабы

🇬🇪 მაგიის წიგნი

🇦🇿 sehr kitabı

🇲🇽 grimorio

Etymology

The word 'grimoire' originated from the Old French word 'grammaire', meaning 'grammar' or 'book of magic'. It first appeared in the English language in the mid-18th century, referring to a book of magic spells and rituals. Grimoires have been a part of occult and magical practices for centuries, with various cultures and traditions having their own versions of these mystical books.

See also: grim, grimace, grime, grimmer.