{ Ban"shee, Ban"shie } (&?;), n. [Gael. bean-shith fairy; Gael. & Ir. bean woman + Gael. sith fairy.] A supernatural being supposed by the Irish and Scotch peasantry to warn a family of the speedy death of one of its members, by wailing or singing in a mournful voice under the windows of the house.

• in Irish folklore, a female spirit, usually taking the form of a woman whose mournful wailing warns of your impending death. the sight of the banshee warns of a death in the family.