beeldwit

Dutch

Etymology

Inherited from Middle Dutch belewitte (“elf, good spirit”), from Old Dutch *biliwitti, from Proto-West Germanic *biliwiti, from a compound of Proto-Germanic *biliz (“kind, gentle”) + *witją (“wit”). Compare German Bilwis (“a kind of demon”) and Old English bilewit (“innocent, calm”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈbeːlt.ʋɪt/
  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: beeld‧wit

Noun

beeldwit f or m (plural beeldwitten, diminutive beeldwitje n)

  1. (obsolete) a kind of good female spirit
  2. (obsolete) any mythological female creature, such as elves or witches
  3. (rare, regional) a sleepwalker
    Synonym: slaapwandelaar
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