Houdini (film) definition

Houdini (film)

Topics Houdini (film) Definition

WordNet

noun

(1) United States magician (born in Hungary) famous for his ability to escape from chains or handcuffs or straitjackets or padlocked containers (1874-1926)

WiktionaryText

Etymology

Invented by Harry Houdini from the French magician Jean Eugène Robert-Houdin

Proper noun

The magician and escape artist Harry Houdini.

Usage notes

Used attributively, as in

A delighted Thurlow described his performance as "a real Houdini act". - (BBC news report)

Verb

to appear, vanish, or escape a difficult situation quickly.

Clyde Houdinied himself into the room.

Dictionary notes

Collins Word Exchange and Merriam-Webster Online contain only a biographical entry for the magician and escapologist and nothing for any attributive sense. MSN Encarta Dictionary has no listing at all.

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