What is the definition of a witch?

Question

What is the definition of a witch? How is this definition shaped by gender? How is it related to authority and power?

Consider the historical, political, social, psychological, spiritual, and/or cultural implications that occur when a label (such as witch) is applied: consider both the labeled and the labeler.

Answer 1

enchantress: a female sorcerer or magician
a being (usually female) imagined to have special powers derived from the devil
Wiccan: a believer in Wicca
hag: an ugly evil-looking old woman
hex: cast a spell over someone or something; put a hex on someone or something
wordnet.princeton.edu/perl/webwn

The term witchcraft (and witch) is a controversial one with a complicated history. Used in entirely different contexts, and within entirely different cultural references, it can take on distinct and often contradictory meanings. Each culture has its own particular body of concepts dealing with magic, religion, benevolent and harmful spirits, and ritual; and these ideas do not find obvious equivalents in other cultures.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Witch

One who worships the Goddess, and sometimes also Her Consort, the God; practices magic; and considers her/himself to be following the spiritual path of Witchcraft.
www.geocities.com/sorchagriannon/terminology.htm

A member of the Wicca religion. A practitioner of witchcraft. There are many types and traditions of witches. A witch is not necessarily a Wiccan, though if a Wiccan practices witchcraft they can be called a witch.
www.reiki.nu/treatment/healing/dictionary5/dictionary5.html

someone who practices witchcraft to help better the world and mankind. A witch is NOT someone who is ugly, worships the devil, or hurts people.
members.aol.com/fadeddragn/dictionary.html

A general word for Pagans worldwide although traditionally those of Anglo-Celtic, Celtic or Teutonic traditions.
www.moonbeamgarden.com/witchscottage/wiccan_pagan_glossary.htm

Hazel Witch Hazel improves skin tone, helps restore circulation and fights broken capillaries. This herb works as a astringent and is great for tired, sluggish, oily, dry, and infected skin.
www.bodyandfitness.com/Beauty/Skin-Care/glossary_b.htm

A women with supernatural powers.
www.wrexhamparaskeptics.4t.com/definitions.htm

The word 'witch' is a loaded word. In today's society it means different things to different people. For our uses, a witch is someone who is a follower of the nature based religion of 'Wicca'. Please read our section on "What is Witchcraft?" on our home page to understand the beliefs of such a person. The word 'witch' comes from the Middle English word 'wicche' which was basically a wise woman that practiced the Old Religion. ...
members.tripod.com/~jack_in_the_green/terms/terms.html

Initiated male or female member of the Old Religion; a practioner of Witchcraft.
mysticcauldron.com/dictionary2.html

A name given to someone who works with magic(k)al powers and natural substances and uses them to help and heal. Magic(k) can be used for both good and evil, but is generally used solely for the good.
www.witchdom.com/LearnCraft/Glossaries/gloss%20w.htm

Answer 2

Witchcraft, in various historical, religious and mythical contexts, is the use of certain kinds of alleged supernatural or magical powers. A witch is a person who practises witchcraft, and may be male or female. In historical, mythological and demonological contexts a male "witch" is more frequently termed a wizard, sorcerer, warlock, or simply a magician.

The term witchcraft can have positive or negative connotations depending on cultural context; for instance, in post-Christian European cultures it has historically been associated with dualistic notions of evil and the Devil, while most modern practitioners see it as beneficent and morally positive.

Answer 3

1. a person, now esp. a woman, who professes or is supposed to practice magic, esp. black magic or the black art; sorceress. Compare warlock.
2. an ugly or mean old woman; hag: the old witch who used to own this building.
3. a person who uses a divining rod; dowser.
–verb (used with object) 4. to bring by or as by witchcraft (often fol. by into, to, etc.): She witched him into going.
5. Archaic. to affect as if by witchcraft; bewitch; charm.
–verb (used without object) 6. to prospect with a divining rod; dowse.
–adjective 7. of, pertaining to, or designed as protection against witches.
To work or cast a spell on; bewitch.
To cause, bring, or effect by witchcraft

Answer 4

a person, now especially a women, who believed to have magic power with the help of the devil 2. an ugly and mean old women

Answer 5

1. A woman who practices ancient pagan practices of healing and worship.

2. A lesbian.

Answer 6

A witch is a person (usually female) who floats in water and does not bleed when poked with a sharp object.

Witches float and what floats?
Small rocks!
No!
Blocks of wood!
Yes, and...
A duck!
So if we weigh her and a duck....
Then she's a witch if she weighs less than the duck!
Burn her!!!

Answer 7

a woman who is believed to have magical powers

Answer 8

It's wal-ni-rehtom spelled backwards

Answer 9

Does she sink or float when you throw her in the water?