Occult arts, especially involving poltergeists and psychokinesis, supposedly practised by Malay people (also by the Cape Malay people of the Cape peninsula, South Africa).
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Walter Skeat (1835–1912), philologist.
Definition of Malay magic in US English:
Malay magic
noun
historical
Occult arts, especially involving poltergeists and psychokinesis, supposedly practised by Malay people (also by the Cape Malay people of the Cape peninsula, South Africa).
Origin
Early 20th century; earliest use found in Walter Skeat (1835–1912), philologist.