wizards

   A late medieval term, derived from 'wise' and always implying arcane knowledge and mysterious authority, generally derived from written symbols and designs, and sacred words in ancient languages. It is used of *Merlin; of local heroes such as *Jack o' Kent, who could outwit the Devil and command his services; but also, in real life, of village *charmers and *cunning men. The latter were also sometimes called *conjurers.