[COUNTER- 10 a, 3.] Anything that counteracts, or neutralizes the influence of, a charm; a counteracting or opposing charm.
1601. Holland, Pliny, II. 609. A collar of Ambre beads worne about the neck of yong infants, is … a countercharme for witchcraft and sorcerie.
1725. Pope, Odyss., X. 463. Now touch’d by counter-charms, they change agen, And stand majestic, and recall’d to men.
1830. Scott, Demonol., ix. 336. Drawing blood … as the most powerful counter-charm.
fig. 1635. Quarles, Embl., IV. xv. 254. My grief’s too great for smiling eyes To cure, or counter-charms to exorcise.
1725. Swift, Poems, Want of Silver. But, to this parchment let the Drapier Oppose his counter-charm of paper.
1881. Goldw. Smith, Lect. & Ess., 45. In whose love he finds the countercharm of his wandering life.
