Barguests

/ˈbɑːrɡɛsts/ or /ˈbɑːrɡəsts/ noun

Definition

Plural of barguest; multiple monstrous dog-like creatures from English folklore.

Etymology

Plural form of 'barguest,' an alternative spelling of 'barghest,' both ultimately from Germanic roots possibly meaning 'barrow-guest.' The spelling variation perpetuates through the plural form.

Kelly Says

Medieval English communities had so many different supernatural creature traditions that they had multiple words and spellings for essentially the same thing—barghests, barguests, and similar creatures probably explain the same mysterious nighttime occurrences.

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