igqwira, noun
- Forms:
- Show more Also egeerha, egqwira, igqira, igqwire, and with initial capital.
- Plurals:
- amagqwira, or (occasionally) amagqira.
- Origin:
- IsiXhosaShow more IsiXhosa igqwira malevolent sorcerer (plural amagqwira).
Among the Xhosa: a malevolent wizard or sorcerer; also used as a title. Also attributive. See also witchdoctor.
- Note:
- Sometimes confused with igqira.
1836 A.F. Gardiner Journey to Zoolu Country 247Umyaki had dispatched two men to Faku, for the alleged purpose of procuring beads, but they were at the same time accompanied by an Egeerha or Bewitcher.
1980 E. Joubert Long Journey of Poppie Nongena 83A witch, or what you call an igqwira, is the one who does the wicked things, but she became an igqira, a doctor who helps people.
a malevolent wizard or sorcerer; also used as a title. Also attributive.
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