nagual

American  

[nah-gwahl, -wahl] / nɑˈgwɑl, -ˈwɑl /

noun

1. a guardian spirit among Mexican and Central American Indians, believed to reside in an animal.

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Other Word Forms

• nagualism
  noun

Etymology

Origin of nagual

< Mexican Spanish nagual, nahual < Nahuatl nāhualli

Example Sentences

Instead, I picture Lita and Tia Berta lying under the red-and-black fringed blanket, drinking coffee with “secret sauce” as they watch the nagual snake come home.

From "The Last Cuentista" by Donna Barba Higuera

“Tonantzin! Madre Santa, forgive me,” the nagual begged, as he cowered away from the radiance of the goddess.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

“Stop! What are you doing? Stop it! Stop singing!” the nagual was screaming.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

“It is of no consequence, your holy…” the nagual began.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

“No, please,” the nagual begged, inching along the wall.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall