noun
familiar
A spirit or creature believed to assist a witch.
In the tale, the witch's familiar takes the shape of a cat.
Etymology
Latin familiaris meant belonging to a household or being intimate. A witch’s familiar is conceived as a close attendant or companion, giving the supernatural being a household relationship.
More examples
- The familiar follows her into the forest.
- Several stories give witches animal familiars.
- He believed the owl was a familiar rather than an ordinary bird.
Forms
familiar · familiars
Similar words
- spirit
- A broader supernatural being, not necessarily a witch's helper.