Poppet
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In folk magic and witchcraft, a poppet (also known as poppit, moppet, mommet and pippy) is a doll made to represent a person, for casting spells on that person or to aid that person through magic.[1] They are occasionally found lodged in chimneys. These dolls may be fashioned from such materials as a carved root, grain or corn shafts, a fruit, paper, wax, a potato, clay, branches, or cloth stuffed with herbs with the intent that any actions performed upon the effigy will be transferred to the subject based on sympathetic magic.[1][2] Poppets are also used as kitchen witch figures.
Etymology
The word poppet is an older spelling of puppet, from Middle English popet, meaning a small child or a doll. In British English it continues to hold this meaning. Poppet is also a chiefly British term of endearment or diminutive referring to a young woman or girl amongst urban populaces,[3] much like the words "dear" or "sweetie."
See also
References
- ^ a b Scott Cunningham (2000). Cunningham's Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs. Llewellyn Worldwide. p. 13. ISBN 0875421229.
- ^ Stephen Fry (presenter), John Lloyd (creator), Ian Lorimer (director). "Divination". QI. Season D. Episode 10. BBC.
{{cite episode}}: Unknown parameter|episodelink=ignored (|episode-link=suggested) (help); Unknown parameter|serieslink=ignored (|series-link=suggested) (help) - ^ Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Random House, Inc. 2006. 17 Nov. 2006.