‖n. [ Hind. shāmā. ] (Zool.) A saxicoline singing bird (Kittacincla macroura) of India, noted for the sweetness and power of its song. In confinement it imitates the notes of other birds and various animals with accuracy. Its head, neck, back, breast, and tail are glossy black, the rump white, the under parts chestnut. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. [ From the native name. ] A priest of Shamanism; a wizard among the Shamanists. [ 1913 Webster ]
a. Of or pertaining to Shamanism. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. The type of religion which once prevalied among all the Ural-Altaic peoples (Tungusic, Mongol, and Turkish), and which still survives in various parts of Northern Asia. The Shaman, or wizard priest, deals with good as well as with evil spirits, especially the good spirits of ancestors. Encyc. Brit. [ 1913 Webster ]
n. An adherent of Shamanism. [ 1913 Webster ]