witches

Noun

witch (plural witches)

1. A person (now usually particularly a woman) who uses magical or similar supernatural powers to influence or predict events, particularly one with malicious motives.
   • He cannot abide the old woman of Brentford; he swears she's a witch.c. 1597 (date written), William Shakespeare, “The Merry Wiues of Windsor”, in Mr. William Shakespeares Comedies, Histories, & Tragedies […] (First Folio), London: […] Isaac Iaggard, and Ed[ward]...
2. A person who follows Wicca or similar New Age pagan beliefs.
   • To be considered a Witch of a particular tradition you will have to be initiated into that tradition by someone else within that tradition, after following their specific program of study.2013 November 8, Edain McCoy, If You Want to be a Witch: A Practical Introduction to the Craft, Llewellyn Worldwide, →ISBN
3. (derogatory, figuratively) An ugly or unpleasant woman.
   • I hate that old witch.

   Synonyms:

   old woman

4. One who exercises more-than-common power of attraction; a charming or bewitching person.
5. One given to mischief, especially a woman or child.
6. A certain curve of the third order, described by Maria Agnesi under the name versiera.

   Synonyms:

   wizardess, sorceress, wizard, sorcerer, warlock

See all 16 meanings of witch