Ghost
The disembodied spirit or image of a deceased person, appearing
to be alive. The term does not include apparitions of
the living. Reports of appearances of ghosts go back to ancient
times, and ghost stories have always been popular as a special
genre of literature. Ghosts are believed to be ethereal, able to
penetrate doors and walls, and are often said to appear at the
moment of death to a distant relative or friend. Ghosts are also
believed to haunt specific localities, either dwellings associated
with their earthly life or locales with a tragic history. Children
are often reported to have encountered ghostly playmates.
Although the evidence for ghosts is largely anecdotal, it is
widespread and persistent. For a detailed discussion of various
types of ghosts and related appearances, see apparitions. (See
also double; haunting; and dress, phantom)
