bòcan

The Scottish Gaelic term for ghost, apparition, specter, spirit, and goblin. They are seen about fords, or bridges, and near the public roads in lonely places, and are held responsible for every unusual sight and sound in their locality. Most of these bòcain, however, are dependent not so much on the imagination of the individual spectator as on accumulated rumors, which often become greatly exaggerated over time.

References

Source

  • Campbell, J.G. (1902). Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of Scotland. Glascow: James MacLehose and Sons, pp. 220-221.