Definition of "manitou"

The favourite abode of this Manitou is still shown. It is a great rock or cliff on the loneliest part of the mountains, and, … is known by the name of the Garden Rock.

1819, Washington Irving, The Sketch Book, Rip Van Winkle

If it were possible to translate the comprehensive and melodious language in which he spoke, the ode might read something like the following: "Manitou! Manitou! Manitou! Thou art great, thou art good, thou art wise: Manitou! Manitou! Thou art just."

1826, James Fenimore Cooper, The Last of the Mohicans, published 1888, page 319

Each Ojibway shaman's method of communication with the manitou patron is unique and is related to a personal dream experience.

1987, John A Grim, The Shaman, page 143

My father strung it high in a tree for the manitous to watch over.

2005, Joseph Boyden, Three Day Road, Penguin, published 2008, page 43