Originally a Greek word that meant lifting something as an offering to the gods. The meaning has changed over time to virtually the opposite, including a curse (such as would be placed by a magician on another person) and part of the formula used by the Catholic church during the excommunication of a heretic. Other meanings include to be set apart, banished, exiled, or denounced.
Readers, please enjoy this guest blog post by Sandra Kynes, author of several books, including The Herb Gardener's Essential Guide, Plant Magic, and the new Witches' Encyclopedia of Magical Plants, among many others.
Although a few old books...