Also barghaist, -guest, -ghost, -gest, -gaist. [perh. ad. Ger. berg-geist mountain-demon, gnome; but by Scott referred to Ger. bahre bier, hearse, and by others to Ger. bär bear, with reference to its alleged form.] A goblin, fabled to appear in the form of a large dog, with various horrible characteristics, and to portend imminent death or misfortune.
1732. Gentl. Mag., Oct., 1002/1. The Dæmon of Tidwerth, the Black Dog of Winchester, and the Bar-guest of York.
1818. Scott, Rob Roy, I. 223 (D.). He … needed not to care ‘for ghaist or barghaist, devil or dobbie.’
1849. W. Irving, Braceb. Hall, 359. The village had its barguest, or bar-ghost.
1871. E. Peacock, Ralf Skirlaugh, II. 111. Tales about bargests.
1882. Leeds Merc., 29 April, Supp. 1/5. When I was a lad there were ghosts and apparitions, and warlocks and barghests.
