DCHP-3

powahgen

[< Algonk.]
DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

Entry from the DCHP-1 (pre-1967)

This entry may contain outdated or offensive information, terms, and examples.

1n.

a spirit, especially an evil spirit.

Quotations

<i>c</i>1863
The pagan believes that his "Genius" instructs him in the hours of sleep, and the consequence is frequently awful. A Plain Cree, with whom I am acquainted, dreamed that his Puh-wah-gun, demanded three human victims, and he actually murdered three of his own tribe.
1939
They had powogans (evil spirits) cut out of bark, roots, metal and charms of every description.
1956
They believed that there was a spirit, called a po-wah-gen, in every animal and tree. . . .
2n.

a bag or pouch, often decorated with beadwork, used by the Indians to carry various objects believed to have magical powers in protecting the bearer from harm.

Quotations

1934
Still a pagan he worshiped his powargan, or medicine bag, the spirits in the woods and waterfalls around him, and appeased the evil manitous with offerings of tobacco and colored cloth. . . .