barghest

English

Wikipedia

Alternative forms

• bargest, barghast, barghaist, bargheist, bargast, bargust, bargas, barghist, bahgeeast, bargiss, bargus, bargeist, bohghost, barguest

Etymology

Disputed; perhaps burh-ghest, town-ghost, or German Berg-geist (mountain spirit) or Bär-geist (bear-spirit).

Noun

barghest (plural barghests)

1. (UK) A legendary monstrous black dog, said to possess large teeth and claws and (sometimes) to be capable of changing form.
2. (UK) Any ghost, wraith, hobgoblin, elf, or spirit.

Synonyms

• See also Wikisaurus:ghost

Usage notes

This word is best known in northern England, especially Yorkshire.