gallitrap

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡælɪtɹæp/

Noun

gallitrap (plural gallitraps)

1. (folklore, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset) Grass growing in a circle that possesses the magical power of compelling anyone standing within it to confess their wrongdoings.
2. (folklore, Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, Somerset) A magical circle of grass believed to have been created by pixies, that causes any mortal stepping into it to believe they are continuing to walk forward when they are actually walking in a circle.

References

• “Gallitrap”, in Encyclopedia Mythica, 2002 July 9, retrieved 1 March 2023
• Wright, Joseph (1900) The English Dialect Dictionary‎^[1], volume 2, Oxford: Oxford University Press, page 543
• Ihearthula (2021 April 9) “Folktale Friday: It’s a Gallitrap!”, in Am I Reading Too Much Into This?, retrieved 1 March 2023