barghest (BAHR-gest) - n., a doglike goblin or hellhound believed to portend death or misfortune.
Inhabits mainly the north of England, especially Yorkshire. Appears as a large black hound with fiery eyes (sometimes described as the size of saucers). The origin of the name is disputed: the -gest part is clearly ghost (or from the same root), but the bar- has been suggested as the first part of barrow, burgh=town, and berg=mountain, and no doubt other similar words as well.
Admin note: the holiday season means a couple weeks of abbreviated posting. Drive safely, you all!
---L.
Inhabits mainly the north of England, especially Yorkshire. Appears as a large black hound with fiery eyes (sometimes described as the size of saucers). The origin of the name is disputed: the -gest part is clearly ghost (or from the same root), but the bar- has been suggested as the first part of barrow, burgh=town, and berg=mountain, and no doubt other similar words as well.
Admin note: the holiday season means a couple weeks of abbreviated posting. Drive safely, you all!
---L.