churel

plural churels

1. In Hindu folklore, the ghost of a woman who died during childbirth, pregnancy; or a witch.

   The Churel, or woman dying in chold-birth, has been mentioned elsewhere.

   1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 32

   2 more examples

   As a churel she now prowls about the neighbourhood with her child in her arms.

   1895, William Crooke, North Indian Notes and Queries, page 39

   He talked in whispers, and with the utmost respect, of the churel that might be listening overhead.

   1953, The Virginia Quarterly Review, volume 29, page 410