A Dictionary of the Older Scottish Tongue (up to 1700)
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First published 1983 (DOST Vol. V).
This entry has not been updated since then but may contain minor corrections and revisions.
Phetanissa. [e.m.E. and ME. phitonissa, -yssa, -essa (Chaucer), e.m.E. also phaetonissa (1586), med. L. phitonissa (Du Cange), late L. pȳthōnissa (Vulgate, applied to the Witch of Endor), fem. of pȳthō a familiar spirit. See also Phitones.] ? The witch of Endor; ? a name for a particular familiar spirit. —1584 Sempill Sat. P. xlv. 294.
For Phetanissa hes he send With sorcerie and incantationes
