week 3 pt 2

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to witch hunts in early modern Europe, focusing on historical processes, socio-economic factors, and the role of gender in the persecution of witches.

Witch Hunt

A term used to describe the systematic persecution and trial of individuals accused of witchcraft, particularly prevalent in early modern Europe.

Accusatorial Process

A legal process in which the accuser directly brings charges against the defendant, making them visible and involved in the case.

Inquisitorial Process

A legal system where judicial authorities conduct the investigation and trial, often involving extensive questioning and sometimes torture.

Diabolism

The belief in and association of witches with the devil, characterizing them as individuals who have made a pact with the devil.

Maleficia

Latin term referring to the harm caused by witches, traditionally associated with bad actions rather than inherent identity.

Malleus Maleficarum

A well-known witch-hunting manual written in the late 15th century, detailing how to identify and prosecute witches.

Virago

A term used to describe a domineering and aggressive woman, often associated with older, postmenopausal women in the context of witch hunts.

Cunning Women

Folk healers or herbalists consulted by villagers for remedies, often vulnerable to witchcraft accusations during societal tensions.

Socioeconomic Pressure

The economic strain faced by communities, which often led to increased tensions and contributed to the rise in witchcraft accusations.

Feminist Historiography

An approach to history that emphasizes the roles and experiences of women, particularly in the context of witch hunts, often framing the persecution as 'women hunting'.

Trope of the Evil Stepmother

A cultural narrative where stepmothers are vilified, often reflecting societal tensions and conflicts within families that could lead to witchcraft accusations.