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 ] | 
