witch ball

American  

noun

1. a decorated blown glass ball.

2. (in the 18th century) a hollow sphere of colored glass hung in the window of a house to protect it against witchcraft.

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Etymology

Origin of witch ball

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

George Croghan's grandmother was struck by a witch ball.

From Lazarre by Catherwood, Mary Hartwell

One night he was thus ridden to a witch ball and tied to a tree.

From The Witch of Salem or Credulity Run Mad by Carter, F. A. (Freeland A.)

Neighbor Towne, who witnessed it, said the poor beast was struck with a witch ball.

From The Witch of Salem or Credulity Run Mad by Carter, F. A. (Freeland A.)