oni

Definition

A Japanese evil spirit or demon.

Etymology

From Japanese 鬼 (oni).

Example Sentences

• "ONI 鬼. Generic name for devils, the representation of which in art is quite a common feature. Onis have claws, a square head with two horns, sharp teeth, and malignant eyes surmounted by big eyebrows; occasionally they wear trousers of tiger skin."
• "Across the ocean, in Japan, there once lived curious creatures called Onis. Every Japanese boy and girl has heard of them, though one has not often been caught."
• ""That's no human being playing the instrument," he thought in amazement. "It can only be an oni or some such being.""