Meaning of make the passes | Babel Free

Definitions

To perform a hypnotic technique involving running the hands over the head and body of the subject.

Examples

“[…] he did not stop⟳ to think⟳, but hastened to make⟳ the ‘passes’ as the technical phrase styles certain unmeaning motions of the hands and arms.”

“Every man and woman, it appears, may magnetize; but the number⟳ susceptible of the magnetic influence⟳ is much more limited. Every one may make⟳ the “passes;” but some mysterious or unexplained condition is necessary in order⟳ to imbibe the mysterious fluid. One patient will go into magnetic sleep⟳ in a minute or two; another will resist⟳ for hours […]”

“1901, Henry Abbey, “Veera” in Phaëthon, with three other stories in verse and a prose contention, Kingston, NY: Styles & Kiersted, p. 62, Her story done, the maiden begg’d of me To set⟳ out for my kingdom, with the dawn. “Not yet,” said I, “not yet,” and then I made The passes with my hands and fix’d my will To sway her will, till, with a questioning glance⟳, She fell into a calm, Mesmeric sleep⟳.”

“At six, Dr Andrew came to the Raja’s room and, after a little cheerful talk⟳, began to make⟳ the passes. In a few minutes the patient was in deep trance.”

CEFR level