banshie

Bans"shee, Ban"shie, n. [Gael. bean-shith fairy; Gael. & Ir. bean woman + Gael. sith fairy.] (Celtic Folklore) Defn: A supernatural being supposed to warn a family of the approaching death of one of its members, by wailing or singing in a mournful voice. Ban"shee, Ban"shie, n. Etym: [Gael. bean-shith fairy; Gael. & Ir. bean woman + Gael. sith fairy.] Defn: A supernatural being supposed by the Irish and Scotch peasantry to warn a family of the speedy death of one of its members, by wailing or singing in a mournful voice under the windows of the house.

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