chiman

noun

chi·​man
chə̇ˈmän
plural chimanes
-ä(ˈ)nās
: a shaman-priest of the Mam Indians whose function is to mediate between humans and the supernatural through prayers, soothsaying, and divination

Word History

Etymology

American Spanish chimán, from Mam

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

  1. Expanded definitions
  2. Detailed etymologies
  3. Advanced search tools
  4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now

Dictionary Entries Near chiman

Cite this Entry

“Chiman.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/chiman. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!