wise woman

See also: wisewoman

English

Alternative forms

• wisewoman

Etymology

wise + woman

Noun

wise woman (plural wise women)

1. A woman who is a sage or seer; a witch (usually benevolent); a traditional female herbalist or midwife.
   • 1886, Peter Christen Asbjørnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 120:

     Her sharp immovable eyes with irregular pupils, her projecting chin, her broad nose, and her yellow complexion gave Bertha's face a strange, Oriental, almost witchlike appearance; and this was not to be wondered at, because she was considered the first wise woman for a good many miles around.

   • 1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 26:

     A common dread was the evil eye, and the chief charm against it was in the form of a knotted cord woven by a "wise woman".

   • 2011, Michael Gardiner, Scottish Literature and Postcolonial Literature, page 131:

     We meet Dark Mhairi, the wise woman of the village, with her ancient knowledge of healing herbs.

See also

• cunning woman