witch ball

noun

1. a decorated blown glass ball.
2. (in the 18th century) a hollow sphere of colored glass hung in the window of a house to protect it against witchcraft.

Word History and Origins

Origin of witch ball¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

My father told us that they were to keep the bad witches away: “One look at her reflection in the witch ball and she’ll be scared to death and disappear faster than she arrived.”

From Time

Witch Ball Fantastical tale follows a magical glass orb through the centuries.

From Los Angeles Times

One night he was thus ridden to a witch ball and tied to a tree.

From Project Gutenberg

Neighbor Towne, who witnessed it, said the poor beast was struck with a witch ball.

From Project Gutenberg

George Croghan's grandmother was struck by a witch ball.

From Project Gutenberg