See Also: FETISH(medicine)
Fetish(health)
fetish(dictionary)
fetish(encyclopedia)
fetish(dictionary)

fetish (iou)



fetish noun. Also fetich, fetiche. E17.

Orig., an object used by peoples of W. Africa as an amulet or means of enchantment. Later more widely, an inanimate object reverenced as having magical powers or as being animated by a spirit. E17.
H. Allen The witch-doctor's horrible little manikin, a fetish with..a blind, silly face. G. Gorer The lucky mascot, the fetish which will preserve its owner from misfortune.
b. An object, principle, etc., irrationally reverenced, esp. in an obsessive manner. M19.
E. Figes I made a fetish of being always punctual, always punctilious and conscientious.
c. Psychology. A non-sexual part of the body, object, action, etc. acting as a focus for sexual desire. L19.
In representations of black people's speech: incantation, worship; an oath. E18-E19.