eldritch

Definition

Unearthly, supernatural, eerie, preternatural.

Etymology

From the earlier form elritch, of uncertain origin. The second element, -ritch, is generally taken to be Old English rīċe (“realm, kingdom”). Some think that the first element, el-, derives from an Old English root meaning “foreign, strange, other” (related to Old English ellende and modern English else); others think that it derives from elf. It was reintroduced into popular literature by the writings of H. P. Lovecraft.

Example Sentences

• "So Maggie runs, the witches follow, / Wi' mony an eldritch ſkreech and hollow."
• "I look'd upon the rotting Sea, / And drew my eyes away; / I look'd upon the eldritch deck / And there the dead men lay."
• "Pearl, in utter scorn of her mother's attempt to quiet her, gave an eldritch scream, and then became silent."