Witchcraft - Key Words

Question 1

Maleficium

Answer 1

“Evil deed” - by 1580 this was understood as an act of witchcraft designed to harm

Question 2

Sacrament

Answer 2

A ceremony carried out to attain spiritual grace, e.g Holy Communion

Question 3

Devil’s mark

Answer 3

Mark on the body of someone who had entered a covenant with the Devil

Question 4

Cunning- Folk

Answer 4

general carried out good deeds- folk - healers etc

Question 5

Assize circuit

Answer 5

Courts that travelled in six circuits around the country, hearing serious cases

Question 6

Justice of the peace

Answer 6

A public official appointed to administer the law at a local level

Question 7

Privy council

Answer 7

Private council of the monarch

Question 8

Vagrant

Answer 8

Beggar or someone who would wander looking for work. By 17th century it was someone who could work but chose not to - could be punished by whipping etc.

Question 9

Dissenter

Answer 9

A member of the non-established church outside the Church of England

Question 10

Idolater

Answer 10

Someone who worships false idols

Question 11

Nonconformist

Answer 11

A Protestant who does not conform to the established practices of the Church of England

Question 12

Calvinist

Answer 12

Follower of John Calvin — Protestant reformation. Very strict

Question 13

Heretic

Answer 13

Someone who disagrees with the teachings of the church