-wraiths-

n. [ Scot. wraith, warth; probably originally, a guardian angel, from Icel. vörðr a warden, guardian, akin to E. ward. See Ward a guard. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. An apparition of a person in his exact likeness, seen before death, or a little after; hence, an apparition; a specter; a vision; an unreal image. [ Scot. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

She was uncertain if it were the gypsy or her wraith. Sir W. Scott. [ 1913 Webster ]

O, hollow wraith of dying fame. Tennyson. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Sometimes, improperly, a spirit thought to preside over the waters; -- called also water wraith. M. G. Lewis. [ 1913 Webster ]