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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

Hypnotism \Hyp"no*tism\, n. [Gr. ? sleep: cf. F. hypnotisme.]
1. A form of sleep or trance, in some respects resembling
somnambulism, but brought on by artificial means, in which
there is an unusual suspension of some powers, and an
unusual activity of others, especially a heightened
susceptibility to suggestion. It is induced by an action
upon the nerves, through the medium of the senses, by
causing the subject to gaze steadily at a very bright
object held before the eyes, or on an oscillating object,
or by pressure upon certain points of the surface of the
body, usually accompanied by the speaking of the hypnotist
in quiet soothing tones. Called also {hypnosis}.
[1913 Webster PJC]

2. The science which deals with the induction and properties
of the hypnotic state.
[PJC]


Mesmerism \Mes"mer*ism\, n. [From Mesmer, who first brought it
into notice at Vienna, about 1775: cf. F. mesm['e]risme.]
An earlier name for {hypnosis} or {hypnotism}, the art of
inducing an extraordinary or abnormal state of the nervous
system, in which the actor claims to control the actions, and
communicate directly with the mind, of the recipient. It is
believed to be a state between sleep and wakefulness, in
which a person is more susceptible to suggestion than when
awake. See {Animal magnetism}, under {Magnetism}.
[1913 Webster]