charm

{{11}}charm (n.) c.1300, "incantation, magic charm," from O.Fr. charme (12c.) "magic charm, magic, spell; incantation, song, lamentation," from L. carmen "song, verse, enchantment, religious formula," from canere "to sing" (see CHANT (Cf. chant)), with dissimilation of -n- to -r- before -m- in intermediate form *canmen (for a similar evolution, Cf. L. germen "germ," from *genmen). The notion is of chanting or reciting verses of magical power.

A yet stronger power than that of herb or stone lies in the spoken word, and all nations use it both for blessing and cursing. But these, to be effective, must be choice, well knit, rhythmic words (verba concepta), must have lilt and tune; hence all that is strong in the speech wielded by priest, physician, magician, is allied to the forms of poetry. [Jacob Grimm, "Teutonic Mythology" (transl. Stallybrass), 1883]

Sense of "pleasing quality" first recorded 1590s. Meaning "small trinket fastened to a watch-chain, etc." first recorded 1865.

{{12}}charm (v.) c.1300, "to recite or cast a magic spell," from O.Fr. charmer, from L.L. carminare, from L. carmen (see CHARM (Cf. charm) (n.)). Related: Charmed; charming.