ˈpōltə(r)ˌgīst sometimes ˈpäl- or ˈpȯl- noun
( -s )
Etymology: German, from poltern to knock, rattle (from Middle High German boldern, buldern ) + geist spirit, from Old High German; akin to Middle Low German balderen to make a noise — more at boulder , ghost
: a noisy and usually mischievous ghost : a spirit capable of making mysterious noises (as rappings)