Definition of ghostly

The word "ghostly" originated in Middle English during the 14th century. At that time, it was spelled as "gestly" or "gestli," and it meant "having the quality of a ghost" or "of or relating to ghosts." The root of the word can be traced back to the Old English word "gāst," which meant "spirit" or "soul." The "gh-" prefix in "ghostly" was added to emphasize the idea of something being filled with or dominated by ghostly spirits or entities. In the Middle English period, the word "ghostly" was also used to describe other supernatural beings, such as wraiths and specters. However, over time, its meaning narrowed to primarily refer to the appearance or presence of ghosts. The use of "ghostly" to describe a feeling or quality, rather than just a literal ghost, also evolved in the 17th century, as seen in the poem "Hamlet" by William Shakespeare, where he wrote, "The cold bones gape where they fought on." This line can be interpreted as "The skeletons appeared cold and exposing, revealing the site of their fierce previous battle," and in doing so, highlights how the word "ghostly" can transcend its initial supernatural origin. Overall, "ghostly" has evolved from a simple descriptor of a spectral entity to a more complex word that encapsulates a feeling, tone, or quality in various contexts.