one who pretends to expel evil spirits by conjuration, prayers and ceremonies. Exorcism was frequently practiced among the Jews. ( Matthew 12:27 ; Acts 19:13 ) David, by playing skillfully on a harp, procured the temporary departure of the evil spirit which troubled Saul. ( 1 Samuel 16:23 ) The power of casting out devils was bestowed by Christ while on earth upon the apostles, ( Matthew 10:8 ) and the seventy disciples ( Luke 10:17-19 ) and was, according to his promise, ( Mark 16:17 ) exercised by believers after his ascension. ( Acts 16:18 ) [E] indicates this entry was also found in Easton's Bible Dictionary