witchknot (wichnot)

A knot or snarl, especially in the hair, supposed to be caused by witchcraft. Compare elf, v., and elf - lock. O, that I were a witch but for her sake! Yfaith her Queenship little rest should take; I'd scratch that face, that may not feele the aire, And knit whole ropes of witch - knots in her haire. Drayton, Poems (ed. 1637), p. 253. ( Hall i well .) O wha has loosed the nine witch -knots That were amang that lad ye's locks? Willie's Ladye (Child's Ballads, I. 166).