n. [ L. phantasma. See Phantom, and cf. Fantasm. ] [ Spelt also fantasm. ] 1. An image formed by the mind, and supposed to be real or material; a shadowy or airy appearance; sometimes, an optical illusion; a phantom; a dream. [ 1913 Webster ]

They be but phantasms or apparitions. Sir W. Raleigh. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. A mental image or representation of a real object; a fancy; a notion. Cudworth. [ 1913 Webster ]

Figures or little features, of which the description had produced in you no phantasm or expectation. Jer. Taylor. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ L. ] A phantasm. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ NL., from Gr. fa`ntasma a phantasm + 'agora` an assembly, fr. 'agei`rein to gather: cf. F. phantasmagorie. ] 1. An optical effect produced by a magic lantern. The figures are painted in transparent colors, and all the rest of the glass is opaque black. The screen is between the spectators and the instrument, and the figures are often made to appear as in motion, or to merge into one another. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The apparatus by which such an effect is produced. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Fig.: A medley of figures; illusive images. “This mental phantasmagoria.” Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of, relating to, or resembling phantasmagoria; phantasmagoric. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Of or pertaining to phantasmagoria; phantasmagorial. Hawthorne. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Phantasmagoria. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. Pertaining to, of the nature of, or resembling, a phantasm; spectral; illusive. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. See Phantascope. [ 1913 Webster ]

a. [ L. phantasmaticus. ] Phantasmal. Dr. H. More. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ Gr. fa`ntasma, fanta`smatos, phantasm + -graphy. ] A description of celestial phenomena, as rainbows, etc. [ 1913 Webster ]