noun
or man·i·tu ˈmanəˌtü ; also man·i·to -tō
( -s )
Etymology: of Algonquian origin; akin to Ojibwa manito spirit, god, Natick manitoo, Shawnee maneto
1.
a. : one of the Algonquian deities or spirits dominating the forces of nature
b. : an image or spirit of such a deity
2. : a supernatural force or spiritual energy which gives power to spirits, deities, and natural forces