Witch
From Conservapedia
A witch is a female practitioner of witchcraft. In modern times this has also included Wicca.
In the past many people accused of witchcraft were burnt at the stake or executed in other ways - it is generally agreed that most of these people knew nothing of witchcraft, and were witches only in the imaginations of those accusing them. It is interesting to note that one-quarter of those executed for witchcraft were men. In Exodus 22:18 the Bible specifically bans witchcraft under penalty of death. A famous case is the British Pendle Witch trials of 1612 AD.
In romantic times, witches became popular figures of novels and fairy-tales. Most of the times they were of evil and dangerous character, but there are also examples of benevolent character. At about the same time they became popular carneval figures.
[edit] Modern Usage
The term "witchhunt" is also used to denote a political crusade against a particular group.
See also:
- Harry Potter characters, female
- Warlock
