mara

noun5

1. •
   Any caviid rodent of the genus Dolichotis, common in the Patagonian steppes of Argentina.

   • Maras have a white patch of fur on the rump that they flash when running, an adaptation they share with several species of deer and antelopes. — 1999
2. •
   (US) A Latin American criminal gang.
3. •
   A type of god that prevents accomplishment or success.
4. •
   Any malicious or evil spirit.
5. •
   A nightmare; a spectre or wraith-like creature in Germanic and particularly Scandinavian folklore; a female demon who torments people in sleep by crouching on their chests or stomachs, or by causing terrifying visions.

   • The corpus of related texts tells us that within rural society it was not improbable for your neighbour's envy of your fine cattle to take the form of a mara. — 1996

noun1

1. •
   A member of a predominantly agricultural tribe of southern Assam and western Burma.