by Mike McHugh

Yes, folks, the Yankee Dictionary is still alive and well. Our lexicographer had just gone south for the winter. Smart guy, him.

Today, we’ll define the word pelican:

pel-i-can: an act of witchcraft. Now an archaic term; it found common use in Salem, Massachusetts, during the height of the witchcraft era in the late 1600’s.

“If you want Mrs. Branford taken care of, well, I have this pelican turn her into a newt.