Manito
/məˈniːtoʊ/noun
A supernatural being, spirit, or power in the religious traditions of some Algonquian-speaking peoples.
Did you know?In many Algonquian traditions, manito could refer not only to a spirit-being but also to a sacred or supernatural power present in places, animals, objects, and people.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Algonquian (reconstructed)
Proto-Algonquian
*manetwiwa
“A reconstructed form associated with supernatural power or being; the exact original sense remains debated.”
17th Century
Algonquian languages
manitou / manito
“A supernatural being, spirit, or power; forms varied among Algonquian languages.”
1630s
French
manitou
“A word recorded by French missionaries for an Indigenous supernatural being or spiritual power.”
18th Century
English
manito
“An English form used for an Algonquian spirit or supernatural power.”
Modern English
English
manito
“A rare term referring to a supernatural being or power in Algonquian religious traditions.”