banshee

Definition

A female spirit, usually taking the form of a woman whose mournful wailing warns of an impending death.

Etymology

Borrowed from Irish bean sí, from Old Irish ben síde (literally “woman of the fairy mound”). The term banshee entered English in 1771.

Example Sentences

• "Late had he heard, in prophet's dream, / The fatal Ben-Shie's boding scream […]."
• "Where's this old banshee that runs the place?"

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