Definitions

from The Century Dictionary.

  • noun A larval nematode worm infesting the eye; the larval stage of the eye-threadworm, Filaria oculi.

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

  • noun In the voodoo religion, a spirit intermediary between Bondye (the creator god) and human beings.

Etymologies

from Wiktionary, Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License

From Haitian Creole lwa, perhaps from French roi ("king").

Support

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word loa.

Examples

  • Much of the practice, however, involves the invocation of lesser spirits known as loa that have been compared to Catholic saints.

    canada.com Top Stories 2010

  • You legal types may be interested to know that loa comes from the French word lois, or ‘law.’

    The Faculty Club Danny Tobey 2010

  • You legal types may be interested to know that loa comes from the French word lois, or ‘law.’

    The Faculty Club Danny Tobey 2010

  • You legal types may be interested to know that loa comes from the French word lois, or ‘law.’

    The Faculty Club Danny Tobey 2010

  • You legal types may be interested to know that loa comes from the French word lois, or ‘law.’

    The Faculty Club Danny Tobey 2010

  • You legal types may be interested to know that loa comes from the French word lois, or ‘law.’

    The Faculty Club Danny Tobey 2010

  • The ultimate goal of Voudoo ritual is to be possessed by the loa, which is considered a great honor.

    Where To Park Your Broomstick Lauren Manoy 2002

  • The ultimate goal of Voudoo ritual is to be possessed by the loa, which is considered a great honor.

    Where To Park Your Broomstick Lauren Manoy 2002

  • I nana aku ka hana o ua moo nei, e ku mai ana o Kaeloikamalama me ka laau palau, o _Kapahielihonua_ ka inoa, he iwakalua anana ka loa, eha kanaka nana e apo puni.

    The Hawaiian Romance Of Laieikawai Martha Warren Beckwith 1915

  • So, no direction except "loa"; no mention, even, of the respectable gentleman's surname.

    Rose cottage Stewart, Mary, 1916- 1997

Comments

Log in or sign up to get involved in the conversation. It's quick and easy.

  • Somehow the Century definition and the Wiktionary definition work well together.

    July 29, 2011