Plural of coven; groups of witches or people meeting together, especially for magical or supernatural purposes (popularized in modern usage).
From coven (Middle English, possibly from Latin convenire 'to assemble'); the plural adds the standard -s ending.
The word 'coven' exploded in popularity after 1950s books about witchcraft, but historians note there's no historical evidence medieval witches called themselves that—it was a word created by modern people studying witchcraft.
The word 'coven' historically became gendered through witch hunt narratives, particularly the 15th-18th centuries, when female gatherings were demonized as sites of heresy while male gatherings held power. Modern usage often defaults to female-coded imagery despite equal historical participation.
Use 'coven' neutrally to describe any ritual or spiritual gathering. When discussing history, acknowledge that both men and women participated in persecuted practices.
["gathering","group","circle","collective"]
Women healers, herbalists, and spiritual leaders formed these groups; history often erased male participants while hyper-focusing on women to justify persecution. Credit all participants equally.
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