The word 'shaman' is originally from German 'schamane'

'Shaman' is a word borrowed from German 'schamane'. The word entered the English language some time around 1698.

shaman [noun] [1698]

• a priest or priestess who uses magic for the purpose of curing the sick, divining the hidden, and controlling events
• one who resembles a shaman
• high priest

See 'shaman' on the Loan Words Map

See more loan words from German.

Etymology: Ultimately from Evenki (Tungusic language of Siberia) 'šamān'

See more loan words from 1600s.