coven
UK[ˈkʌv(ə)n]US[ˈkʌvən]
n
A group or assembly of witches.
Etymology
The word 'coven' entered English from Scots dialect in the 17th century, originally meaning a gathering or assembly of any kind. Its direct ancestor is the Old French 'covin', which derived from the Latin verb 'convenire', meaning 'to come together' (from 'con-' [together] + 'venire' [to come]). The specific association with a gathering of witches developed in the early 18th century, likely popularized by witch trials and folklore. This semantic shift narrowed a general term for an assembly to a secretive, mystical one, connecting the ancient concept of 'coming together' to the modern, specialized meaning.
Analysis
The word 'coven' is a simplex loanword from Scots, where it was a variant of 'covin' meaning a band, company, or agreement. Its ultimate origin is the Old French 'covin' (agreement, assembly), from the Latin 'convenire' (to come together, assemble).
Examples
The novel describes a secret coven meeting deep in the forest at midnight.
She is believed to be the high priestess of a local witch coven.
According to legend, a coven traditionally consists of thirteen members.