Ouijas

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. Boards or devices featuring letters, numbers, and symbols used to communicate purportedly with spirits during séances; the act of using such a tool to ask questions and receive messages; any session or practice involving this method of divination
2. Flat boards marked with alphabets, numerals, and various signs meant for contacting supernatural entities; the process of guiding a planchette to spell answers provided by unseen forces; spiritual communication sessions using this tool
3. Objects composed of a flat surface with printed characters, utilized in occult practices to facilitate dialogue with otherworldly beings; the usage technique of moving a pointer to convey messages during ritualistic gatherings; spiritualist activities employing this means of interaction

Etymology: Ouija is the trade name of a board game sold in the United States, and "ouijas" is simply its plural. The board carries letters, numbers and the words "yes" and "no," and players rest their fingers on a small pointer, which is said to move on its own to spell out messages from the spirit world. The name is the part that draws the most curiosity. Its origin is commonly told in a story involving the game's makers, but the details of who coined the name, and when, are not something this entry can confirm. What is certain is that the word works as a plain product name: its plural form, "ouijas," refers to more than one such board, which is how a trademarked noun is pluralised in English.

Synonyms: spirit boards, talking boards