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diablerie

/diˈɑbləri/
IPA guide

Other forms: diableries

Diablerie is a word that has to do with both mischief and the macabre. It describes anything from devilish behavior to black magic and dealings with the devil.

The word is borrowed from the Middle French word diablerie, which is rooted in diable, "the devil." In English, it has two main shades of meaning: It can refer to sorcery, witchcraft, dark magic, or representations and descriptions of demons in art and literature. In 19th-century literature, it was a popular way to describe eerie or supernatural occurrences that defied explanation. But it also refers, in a more lighthearted way, to mischievous or "devilish" behavior.

Definitions of diablerie
  1. noun
    reckless or mischievous behavior or manner
  2. noun
    black magic; sorcery
  3. noun
    a representation of demons or black magic, such as in lore or images
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