familiar (noun)

a person attached to the household of a high official (as a pope or bishop) who renders service in return for support

companion, comrade, fellow, familiar, associate (noun)

a friend who is frequently in the company of another

"drinking companions"; "comrades in arms"

familiar, familiar spirit (adj)

a spirit (usually in animal form) that acts as an assistant to a witch or wizard

familiar (adj)

well known or easily recognized

"a familiar figure"; "familiar songs"; "familiar guests"

familiar (adj)

within normal everyday experience; common and ordinary; not strange

"familiar ordinary objects found in every home"; "a familiar everyday scene"; "a familiar excuse"; "a day like any other filled with familiar duties and experiences"

conversant(p), familiar(p) (adj)

(usually followed by `with') well informed about or knowing thoroughly

"conversant with business trends"; "familiar with the complex machinery"; "he was familiar with those roads"

familiar, intimate (adj)

having mutual interests or affections; of established friendship

"on familiar terms"; "pretending she is on an intimate footing with those she slanders"

familiar (Noun)

A member of one's family or household.

familiar (Noun)

A close friend.

familiar (Noun)

An attendant spirit often in animal form.

familiar (Adjective)

Known to one.

familiar (Adjective)

Acquainted.

familiar (Adjective)

Intimate or friendly.

familiar (Adjective)

Inappropriately intimate or friendly.

familiar (Adjective)

Of or pertaining to a family; familial.

Familiar

In European folklore of the medieval and early modern periods, familiars (sometimes referred to as familiar spirits) were believed to be supernatural entities that would assist witches and cunning folk in their practice of magic. According to records of the time, those alleging to have had contact with familiar spirits reported that they could manifest as numerous forms, usually as an animal, but sometimes as a human or humanoid figure, and were described as "clearly defined, three-dimensional... forms, vivid with colour and animated with movement and sound", as opposed to descriptions of ghosts with their "smoky, undefined form[s]".When they served witches, they were often thought to be malevolent, but when working for cunning folk they were often considered benevolent (although there was some ambiguity in both cases). The former were often categorized as demons, while the latter were more commonly thought of and described as fairies. The main purpose of familiars was to serve the witch, providing protection for them as they came into their new powers.Since the 20th century some magical practitioners, including adherents of the Neopagan religion of Wicca, use the concept of familiars, due to their association with older forms of magic. These contemporary practitioners use pets or wildlife, or believe that invisible versions of familiars act as magical aides.