spirit man

Noun

spirit man (countable and uncountable, plural spirit men)

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: See spirit, man.
2. Individuals (usually male) who are spiritual in form.
   • ‘Why all man so quiet?’ he asked. ‘Ogilla! Debil-debil.’ ‘Spirit man belonga bone?’ ‘Oo-ai. He follow all a time. He here now! Last night Charcoal hear him cry for bone belonga him!’1937, Ion L. Idriess, Over the Range, Sydney: Angus and Robertson, published 1947, page 149
   • In a personal reflection on the epidemic, Allen Wright observes, “News of another death now comes with such frequency that my mourning is constant. I imagine the spirits of the departed waiting in line until they can be properly grieved.” Wright's statement implies that New York is populated by...2018, Darius Bost, Evidence of Being
3. A man devoted to spiritual affairs, such as a shaman, witch doctor, faith healer, etc.
   • Her mother prayed that someone would find her and rescue her, though this was very unlikely to happen. Anyone acting against the instructions of the spiritman was likely to come to an untimely end.2013, Graham Reed, The Blue Butterfly, page 30
4. In some Christian belief systems, one's innermost spiritual entity (i.e. the "heart"), as contrasted with the more outer soulish and physical aspects of one's being.
   • Thanks to the long, slow, patient years of constant small strengthenings of the spirit, in triumphs achieved over fleshly greeds and brutal instincts, the flesh now yields obedience, doubtful, irregular, and strange, almost questioning obedience at first, but none the less change has come, and the...1887, Light, volume 7, page 80
   • It must be on the inside in order to stop sin and starvation of the spirit man inside of you.2009, Cheryl E. Chavis, The Spirit Man In Her, page 19