pooka

American  

[poo-kuh] / ˈpu kə /

Also puca

noun

1. (in folklore) an Irish spirit, mischievous but not malevolent, corresponding to the English Puck.

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Etymology

Origin of pooka

First recorded in 1820–30; from Irish púca, perhaps related to Old English pūca ( see Puck ( def. ))

Example Sentences

James Stewart plays Elwood P Dowd, and Harvey is his love object, an invisible 6ft white rabbit sometimes described as a "pooka", a sort of sprite who can make your dreams come true.

From The Guardian • Feb. 14, 2013

To make a long story short, the next night but two the boy was there again; and if he didn't delight the poor pooka, holding up a fine warm coat before him, it's no mather!

From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by Yeats, W. B. (William Butler)

"Musha!" says she, "if the pooka does be cleaning up everything that way when we are asleep, what should we be slaving ourselves for doing his work?"

From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by Yeats, W. B. (William Butler)

To make a long story short, the next night the boy was there again; and if he didn’t delight the poor pooka, holding a fine, warm coat before him, it’s no matther!

From Humours of Irish Life by Various

No liberty at all," says the pooka, says he: "I'll tell you, and welcome.

From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by Yeats, W. B. (William Butler)