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

However, my fear that this was the nagual Teresita warned us about kept me on edge.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

“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

“Well, hello. Welcome back, preciosa,” the nagual said, showing his green-gray teeth as he grinned at me.

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall

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

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

From "Summer of the Mariposas" by Guadalupe García McCall