churel

English

Etymology

From Hindi चुड़ैल (cuṛail).

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /t͡ʃʊˈɹeɪl/

Noun

churel (plural churels)

1. In Hindu folklore, the ghost of a woman who died during childbirth, pregnancy; or a witch.
   • 1895, William Crooke, North Indian Notes and Queries, page 39:

     As a churel she now prowls about the neighbourhood with her child in her arms.

   • 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 32:

     The Churel, or woman dying in chold-birth, has been mentioned elsewhere.

   • 1953, The Virginia Quarterly Review, volume 29, page 410:

     He talked in whispers, and with the utmost respect, of the churel that might be listening overhead.

Mauritian Creole

Etymology

From Hindi चुड़ैल (cuṛail).

Noun

churel

1. witch
2. ghost

Synonyms

• sorsier (witch)
• diab (ghost)