Prestidigitation

From French prestidigitation

from French preste ("nimble, quick")

from Italian presto

from Late Latin praestus ("ready at hand")

+ Latin digitus ("finger")

+ noun of process suffix -ation

from Latin perfect passive participle suffix -atus+ suffix -io.

Note: despite the phonetic similarities, the words prestidigitator and prestidigitation have different origins from those of prestige, even though this in the past has meant "delusion, illusion, trick".

Full definition of prestidigitation

(plural prestidigitations)

A performance of or skill in performing magic or conjuring tricks with the hands; sleight of hand.My favorite prestidigitation was when he pulled the live dove out of that tiny scarf.
A show of skill or deceitful cleverness.His writing was peppered with verbal tricks and prestidigitation.