\Wraith\, n. [Scot. wraith, warth; probably originally, a
guardian angel, from Icel. v["o]r[eth]r a warden, guardian,
akin to E. ward. See {Ward} a guard.]
1. An apparition of a person in his exact likeness, seen
   before death, or a little after; hence, an apparition; a
   specter; a vision; an unreal image. [Scot.]
         She was uncertain if it were the gypsy or her
         wraith.                               --Sir W.
                                               Scott.
         O, hollow wraith of dying fame.       --Tennyson.
2. Sometimes, improperly, a spirit thought to preside over
   the waters; -- called also {water wraith}. --M. G. Lewis.