An instance or utterance of the magical word ‘abraxas’, supposed (especially in Gnosticism) to act as a charm; a gem, amulet, etc., inscribed with this word or other cabbalistic signs.
((n.) A mystical word used as a charm and engraved on gems among
the ancients; also, a gem stone thus engraved.)
Origin:
Early 18th century. From French abraxas and its etymon post-classical Latin Abraxas, name given by the Basilidians to the ruler of the 365 heavens (3rd cent.) from Hellenistic Greek Ἀβράξας, of unknown origin.