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midé
[ < Algonk.; cf. Cree mitēó conjurer, q.v. ]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
Spelling variants:mittay
Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.
n.
an Indian magician or shaman who practises healing by means of charms and the exorcism of evil spirits or by practical remedies such as administering herbs and sweat baths.
Quotations
1804
Indians performed the superstitious Mittay ceremony, which continued the whole day.
1860
At length . . . he summoned the other Jossakids, and Midés, and the Ogimas (chieftains) of the tribe together. . . .
1914
He was a very good hunter, and he killed all kinds of game. He was a midé.
1935
. . . the Grand Medicine Society . . . is extinct in Georgian Bay and . . . children will never join it and become genuine medé.