In Scottish folklore, a mischievous or frightening spirit or goblin, sometimes depicted as a hairy old man who plays pranks on people.
From Scottish Gaelic bodach meaning 'old man' or 'churl.' The word reflects Celtic supernatural traditions and entered English through Scottish literature and folklore documentation.
Bodachs in Scottish stories served a cultural function similar to bogeyman stories—they warned children about dangers (like straying from home) while entertaining through supernatural tales.
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