(Members of) mythological tribes said to be related to serpents and able to cure snakebites.

Among the indigenous peoples of Suriname and other parts of South America: a medicine man, a healer, a shaman. Cf. piaiman, n., piache, n.

A person who claims to cure disease and to counteract witchcraft using magic; a wizard or witch. Now chiefly historical.

In Indonesia, Malaysia, and among the Cape Malay community of South Africa: a traditional healer; a midwife; a person thought to have magical…

= piai, n.

A witch-doctor or medicine-man.

A traditional healer and diviner, esp. one who claims to guard against or cure afflictions thought to be caused by spirit possession or witchcraft.

In East Africa: a doctor whose traditional functions include exorcism, prophecy, and the removal of spells.