pishogue

pishogue

A witch casts a pishogue to protect her garden.

Definition

Noun: - Sorcery or witchcraft: "pishogue" refers to magic or enchantment, especially as practiced in Irish folk tradition. It often implies spells, charms, or supernatural practices believed to influence events or people. - A superstitious belief or practice: The word can also denote a superstitious ritual or belief, sometimes used derogatorily to describe irrational or foolish customs.

Usage Examples
  • (She was believed to practice harmful magic.)
  • (He considered them foolish superstitions.)
Advanced Usage
  • "to work pishogue": to perform magic or cast a spell.

    • The cunning man claimed he could work pishogue to heal the sick. (He said he could use magic for healing.)
  • "under the influence of pishogue": affected by supernatural forces or charms.

    • The villagers thought the cattle were sick under the influence of pishogue. (They believed the illness was caused by magic.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Pishoguer (n): a person who practices pishogue; a sorcerer or witch.

    • The pishoguer was feared for his ability to bring bad luck. (The sorcerer was feared.)
  • Pishoguery (n): the practice or art of pishogue; sorcery.

    • Pishoguery was once common in rural Ireland. (The practice of witchcraft was widespread.)
Synonyms
  • Sorcery: the use of supernatural powers to influence events.
  • Witchcraft: the practice of magic, especially by witches.
  • Enchantment: a magical spell or charm.
Phrasal Verbs

(No common phrasal verbs are associated with "pishogue" as it is primarily a noun.)

Related Idioms
  • "a touch of pishogue": a small amount of magic or superstition.

    • The farmer believed a touch of pishogue could protect his home. (He thought a little magic would bring safety.)
  • "pishogue and poppycock": nonsense or foolish superstition (emphatic).

    • All those old tales are pishogue and poppycock. (They are completely untrue and silly.)