carlin
/ˈkɑːlɪn
/(also carling)
noun Scottish
1A witch: the old carlin had done all the evil...
- The carlin was calling, "'Tis myself that's in it."
- The terrible carlin put her step-children under eternal spells.
- Had these cauldron carlins been armed with clubs I've no doubt they would've pulped me on the spot.
1.1An unpleasant or disliked old woman: one would think you were an auld carlin to hear you talk...
- “If you will forgive an auld carlin,” she said.
- The auld carlin was advancing across the drive with a view to entering.
- The cankered old carlin flustered out at him.
Origin
Middle English: from Old Norse kerling 'old woman, woman'.