the.com/grimoire
A spellbook that only works if you also believe in footnotes.
means A book of magic spells and occult instructions, especially one claiming ancient or secret knowledge.
from Grimoire comes from French grimoire, which was originally just a variant of grammaire — 'grammar.' In medieval times, 'grammar' meant any book written in Latin, and since Latin was the language of the learned and the unintelligible-to-most, 'grammar' drifted to mean any obscure, incomprehensible text — and from there, specifically books of magic. The same root, incidentally, gave English the word 'glamour,' which originally meant a magic spell cast over someone's eyes. Grammar, glamour, and grimoire are all siblings — proof that the line between dazzling you with words and dazzling you with sorcery was always thin.
- etymology
- Comes from grammar, as in Latin grammatica
- original use
- Medieval manuals for summoning demons, politely
- fine print
- Most spells require ingredients nobody could legally obtain
- modern life
- Now just means your D&D character's inventory tab