piblokto

or pi·block·to

[ pi-blok-toh ]

noun

, Psychology.

, plural pi·blok·tos.

1. a culture-specific syndrome occurring among traditional Inuit women, characterized by an outburst of cries or screams, the removal of clothing, and seeming possession by a bird or animal spirit.

Word History and Origins

Origin of piblokto¹

First recorded in 1955–60, piblokto is from the Inuit word pibloktoq

Example Sentences

Poor brute, it was no use, and in a short while he commenced to develop symptoms of the dread piblokto, so in mercy he was killed.

From Project Gutenberg

The well-known madness among the Eskimo dogs is also called piblokto.

From Project Gutenberg

Dogs suffering from piblokto are usually shot, but they are often eaten by the Eskimos.

From Project Gutenberg