Witchery is the practice of witchcraft or magic, especially the kind associated with spells, potions, and supernatural powers. In stories and legends, witchery might involve brewing mysterious concoctions, casting enchantments, or using magical objects to influence events. The word carries a sense of mystery and the supernatural.

Throughout history, people accused of witchery were often feared and persecuted, particularly during periods like the Salem witch trials in colonial America. These accusations were based on superstition rather than reality: there was no actual magic, just fear and misunderstanding that led to terrible injustice.

In modern times, witchery appears mostly in fantasy stories and folklore. You might read about witchery in fairy tales like “Hansel and Gretel” or encounter it in fantasy novels where characters use magical arts. The word has an old-fashioned, storytelling quality, like something from a legend or myth.

The word can also describe a kind of fascinating charm or enchantment: someone might say a beautiful garden has a certain witchery about it, meaning it feels magical or mysteriously captivating, even though nothing supernatural is actually happening.