Merriam-Webster Collegiate Dictionary - incantation

 noun  Etymology: Middle English incantacioun, from Middle French ~, from Late Latin ~-, incantatio, from Latin incantare to enchant — more at enchant  Date: 14th century a use of spells or verbal charms spoken or sung as a part of a ritual of magic; also a written or recited formula of words designed to produce a particular effect  • ~al adjective  • incantatory adjective