Mother Shipton

/ ˈʃɪptən /

noun

1. a day-flying noctuid moth, Callistege mi, mottled brown in colour and named from a fancied resemblance between its darker marking and a haggish profile

Word History and Origins

Origin of Mother Shipton¹

named after Mother Shipton, a legendary prophetess in 15th-century Yorkshire

Example Sentences

Near by is the lovely little glen of Pynkinscleugh, concerning which Mother Shipton predicted strange things, as yet unrealised.

From Project Gutenberg

There was a figure on crutches at the door; and Old Mother Shipton, the witch, kicked the astonished visitor as he left.

From Project Gutenberg

One of the witnesses recognised her, from her likeness to the portraits of Mother Shipton the sorceress.

From Project Gutenberg

Only Mother Shipton—once the strongest of the party—seemed to sicken and fade.

From Project Gutenberg

He dropped a warning to the Duchess and Mother Shipton, who of course knew the facts of their associate's defection.

From Project Gutenberg