Drude
/druːd/noun
A drude is a mythical female spirit or witch-like being in German folklore.
Did you know?The German Drude is tied to old folk beliefs about nocturnal oppression and was often associated with a nightmare-demon or witch-like being that could torment sleepers.
Etymological Timeline
Old High German / Middle High German
German
trût
“a witch, goblin, or female demon in folklore”
Middle High German
German
drûte
“a witch-like spirit or goblin”
Early Modern German
German
Drude
“a female demon, witch, or nocturnal spirit”
Modern English
English
drude
“a folklore spirit or witch-like being, chiefly in historical or dialectal contexts”