Wraith (?), n. [Scot. wraith, warth; probably originally, a guardian angel, from Icel. vor[eth]r a warden, guardian, akin to E. ward. See Ward a guard.]
1.
An apparition of a person in his exact likeness, seen before death, or a little after; hence, an apparition; a specter; a vision; an unreal image.
[Scot.]
She was uncertain if it were the gypsy or her wraith.
Sir W. Scott.
O, hollow wraith of dying fame.
Tennyson.
2.
Sometimes, improperly, a spirit thought to preside over the waters; -- called also water wraith.
M. G. Lewis.
© Webster 1913.