An expression meaning magic. Used by conjurors to imply that some sort of magic is being used. Today it is more often used in a derogatory manner by doubters in an attempt to mock the reality of magic, as in “That’s just a bunch of silly hocus pocus.” The exact origin of the phrase is unknown. Some believe it is related to a magician of Norse folklore named Ochus Bochus. However, as early as the 17th century it was suggested that it was based on the words of Catholic priests during the mass. At the high point of the ritual, where it is believed that the wafer literally becomes the body of Christ ("transubstantiation”), the priest says, “Hoc est corpus,” meaning “this is the body.”