manitou
UK[ˈmænɪtuː]US[ˈmænɪˌtuː]
n
a supernatural force or spirit that pervades the natural world in the mythology of some Algonquian peoples.
n
a powerful spirit, deity, or object embodying such a force.
Etymology
the word 'manitou' entered english in the early 17th century from algonquian languages, specifically from ojibwe 'manidoo' or cree 'manitow'. in these indigenous belief systems, it referred to a pervasive spiritual power inherent in all aspects of nature, from animals and plants to geographical features and weather phenomena. european colonists and missionaries adopted the term to describe a concept for which they had no direct equivalent, often interpreting it variously as a 'spirit', 'demon', or 'god'. the word's journey into english reflects the cultural encounter and the borrowing of a fundamental philosophical concept to name a powerful, non-christian spiritual force perceived in the new world.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from Algonquian languages (e.g., Ojibwe, Cree) into English. it is not meaningfully divisible into smaller morphemes using english spelling conventions.
Examples
the old forest was said to be the dwelling place of a powerful manitou.
in the story, the hero seeks guidance from the manitou of the great lake.
the shaman carried a stone believed to be inhabited by a manitou.