I always figured this word would be about as spurious as Mumford’s (the usual warnings about Wiki-esque things apply here, of course) preferred phrase, but it seems to have a longer pedigree, if an uncertain original meaning.
abracadabra
[L.; origin unknown. Occurs first in a poem by Q. Serenus Sammonicus, 2nd c.]
A cabalistic word, formerly used as a charm, and believed to have the power, when written in a triangular arrangement, and worn round the neck, to cure agues, etc. Now often used in the general sense of a spell, or pretended conjuring word; a meaningless word of mysterious sound; jargon, gibberish.
Neh 