cailleach

/ ˈkæljəx /

noun

1. an old woman

Word History and Origins

Origin of cailleach¹

Gaelic

Example Sentences

During the transfer, Mr Hendry had managed to reach the ladder on the floating salmon feed structure, Sea Cap, from the moving boat called Beinn na Cailleach.

From BBC

We see James whittling a log, a Cailleach, this season that he says is tradition for his family to burn on Christmas night.

From Salon

The unique ritual has deep roots in folklore: after the Cailleach and her family were offered shelter during a snowstorm, she was so grateful that she left their likeness in stone with the promise that, as long as they were well cared for, the glen would remain fertile.

From The Guardian

She is the Cailleach: a seasonal deity in Gaelic mythology who bestrides the winter months, known variously as an earth-shaper, wise woman, storm-raiser and mistress of deer.

From The Guardian

I set off on the dirt road along Loch Lyon’s northern shore, heading west on the five-mile hike to the Cailleach’s glen.

From The Guardian