Banshee (noun)

A female spirit in Irish folklore who wails to announce a death.

Origin:

From the irish word 'bean sí' meaning 'woman of the fairy mounds'.

Examples:

1. The banshee was said to appear before the death of a family member.
2. The sound of the banshee was considered an ominous sign.
3. People would often leave offerings for the banshee in an attempt to appease her.
4. The banshee was often depicted as a ghostly woman with long hair and a mournful expression.
5. Many believed that the banshee was a harbinger of bad luck or ill omens.