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Manitou
[< Algonk.; cf. Ojibwa manitō]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Spelling variants:Various spellings
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
1an.
a spirit; deity.
Quotations
1613
II y a de certaines personnes entr'eux qui font les Oqui ou Manitous (ainsi appellez par les Algommequins & Montagnais) lesquels se meslent de guarir les malades, penser les blessez, & predire les chose futures.]
1703
Matchi [is] the word for evil and Manitou for spirit. . . .
1789
We are now informed, that behind the opposite island there was a Manitoe or spirit, in the river, which swallowed every person that approached it.
1886
The Manitos who live in the air, the earth, and the water, became jealous of their great power and conspired against them.
1936
That hapless primal being, personification of winter, built a fire to warm himself before the wigwam he might not enter; a lodge built in the clouds by the jealous manitos of earth, air and water
1bn.
See quote.
Quotations
1811
This compass . . . not being able to comprehend its action, they called . . . a "Manitou," by which they mean "spirit," or something incomprehensible and powerful
2n.
the supreme deity of the Crees, Ojibwas, and related tribes, identified by some whites and Christian Indians with God.
See: Gitchi Manitou
Quotations
1748
It is a received Opinion amongst the Indians in those Parts, that there are two Spirits, one whom they call Manitou, to which Spirit, they attribute all the Perfections of the Deity. . . .
1863
They believe that these flashes are the spirits of the dead dancing before the throne of the Manitou, or Great Spirit.
1952
In the sixties the medicine men told their tribes they had been warned in dreams that such brutal processes as the piskun offended the buffalo and Manito, who had stocked the Plains for His people.
1965
"The white man is getting to[o] big and rich. Manitou does not like this and he gave bad weather."
3n.
an idol, charm, or fetish.
Quotations
1760
If there are too many manitous to be contained in one bag, they are distributed into several. . . .
1863
For ages the tribes of Blackfeet and Crees have gathered their clans to pay homage to this wonderful manitoo.
1921
Upon it usually lay a pair of bull's heads, which were esteemed a great Manitou and protection
4n.
the Christian God.
See: Great Spirit
Quotations
1893
His constant companionship . . . had given this Indian boy a comprehension . . . and the mention of God, the mysterious and all-powerful Manitou of the white men, to whom Mr. M'Kenzie prayed so often, calmed and comforted him.
1926
O children of the forest free,
O songs of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born to-day for you.
O songs of Manitou,
The Holy Child of earth and heaven
Is born to-day for you.
1962
If so they would soon become followers of the white man's good Manitou.
5n.
a priest or spiritual adviser.
Quotations
1962
". . . It is true that they broke off the battle because they feared our Manitou, Father Lafleche, but that won't hold them off long."
6n.