wise woman

plural wise women · alternative wisewoman

1. A woman who is a sage or seer; a witch (usually benevolent); a traditional female herbalist or midwife.

   We meet Dark Mhairi, the wise woman of the village, with her ancient knowledge of healing herbs.

   2011, Michael Gardiner, Scottish Literature and Postcolonial Literature, page 131

   2 more examples

   Her sharp immovable eyes with irregular pupils, her projecting chin, her broad nose, and her yellow complexion gave Bertha's face a strange, Oriental, almost witchlike appearance; and this was not to be wondered at, because she was considered the first wise woman for a good many miles around.

   1886, Peter Christen Asbjø￵rnsen, translated by H.L. Brækstad, Folk and Fairy Tales, page 120

   A common dread was the evil eye, and the chief charm against it was in the form of a knotted cord woven by a "wise woman".

   1936, Rollo Ahmed, The Black Art, London: Long, page 26