pooka
Americannoun
Etymology
Origin of pooka
First recorded in 1820–30; from Irish púca, perhaps related to Old English pūca ( see Puck ( def. ))
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
After November Eve the blackberries are no longer wholesome, for the pooka has spoiled them.
From Fairy and Folk Tales of the Irish Peasantry by W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
“Musha, I don’t know,” says the pooka: “but I think a good quilted frieze coat would help me to keep the life in me them long nights.”
From Humours of Irish Life by Various
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 mather!
From The Irish Fairy Book by Various
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 W. B. (William Butler) Yeats
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