What was a specter in Salem?

Answer 1

In Salem, a "specter" referred to the ghostly apparition of a person, often believed to be tormenting or influencing another individual. During the Salem witch trials of 1692, accusations often involved claims that a person's specter was attacking or harming others, serving as a key piece of evidence in witchcraft trials. This concept fueled mass hysteria and paranoia, as individuals could be accused based solely on the alleged appearance of their specter to others. The belief in specters contributed significantly to the tragic outcomes of the witch trials.