The Witch of Edmonton Glossary

The Witch of Edmonton Glossary

Familiars

Familiars are the animal companions of witches which can come in the shape of "rats", "mice", "weasels" according to Sawyer. They typically serve the witch and do their bidding.

Almanac

This is a book of tables, calendars very useful in rural environments and often recording the weather. Almanacs were very popular in the 16-17th centuries.

Equivocations

Trying to conceal the truth with slippery language - this was a word often heckled at witches during witch trials as they tried in vain to prove their innocence against misogynistic judges.

Beldams

A word that encompassed a wide range of old women from grandmothers to old women generally but also a word that could be used pejoratively to mean witches and hags.

Canker

A kind of disease or cancer.

"Footcloth-strider"

A rich person of important status who has a horse adorning pretty cloth on its back which hangs on either side.

Fore-Horse

The pioneering lead horse in a group or team of horses.

Pole-cat

Meaning a sexually promiscuous woman; a derogatory metaphor.

Affable

Good-natured, courteous and easy to talk to.

Dernier

A French coin of little value.

"Pretty stomach"

A euphemism for a big appetite.

"Winding-sheet"

A shroud; often wrapped around the recently deceased.

Dogged

Stubborn and mean spirited.

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