DCHP-2
midé mittay [ < Algonk.; cf. Cree mitēó conjurer, q.v. ] DCHP-1 (pre-1967)
THIS ENTRY MAY CONTAIN OUTDATED INFORMATION, TERMS and EXAMPLES
n.
an Indian magician or shaman who practises healing by means of charms and the exorcism of evil spirits or by practical remedies such as administering herbs and sweat baths.
See also: medicine-man (def. 1a) midewewin
- 1804 (1933) Indians performed the superstitious Mittay ceremony, which continued the whole day.
- 1860 (1956) At length . . . he summoned the other Jossakids, and Midés, and the Ogimas (chieftains) of the tribe together. . . .
- 1914 He was a very good hunter, and he killed all kinds of game. He was a midé.
- 1935 . . . the Grand Medicine Society . . . is extinct in Georgian Bay and . . . children will never join it and become genuine medé.
- 1804 (1933) Indians performed the superstitious Mittay ceremony, which continued the whole day.