A poltergeist or "racketing specter" is a noisy, mischievous spirit connected to a live human, usually a child.

They are best known for making loud noises and moving objects about. In the presence of a poltergeist, pots and pans, furniture and other household items may hover, float, or fly around a room and loud rapping noises can be heard.

They have been said to have the ability to communicate with their rapping. For example, they will cooperate when asked a question and instructed to rap once for "yes," and two for "no." They can also tap out tunes, and tap the correct amount of times when asked questions involving numbers such as someone's age or the number of letters in their name.

A poltergeist can materialize in a variety of forms, they can break windows, and have been reported to attack, grab, or shake people.

They also enjoy throwing stones and making bells ring.

See Also: Creatures by Type » Incorporeal

References

Podmore, Frank. The Naturalisation of the Supernatural. New York and London: G. P. Putnam's sons, 1908.

Image: La Vie Mysterieuse Magazine Cover (detail), 1911. (Shows a 14-year-old girl experiencing poltergeist activity.)