A character or type of figure in literature, especially a sorceress or procuress; derived from Celestina, the famous protagonist of a Spanish classic play.
From the Spanish play 'La Celestina' (1499) by Fernando de Rojas, in which Celestina is a powerful, manipulative sorceress and matchmaker. The character name became used as a literary type or archetype.
Celestina is one of literature's great villains—a medieval Spanish play created such a compelling, complex character that 500 years later, her name is still used to describe a certain type of scheming, magical woman in European literature.
Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.