1584. R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., III. xv. 64. The Irishmen … affirme, that not onelie their children, but their cattell, are (as they call it) eybitten, when they fall suddenlie sicke.
1658. Phillips, Eyebite, to fascinate or bewitch by a certain evil influence from the eye.
1721–1800. in Bailey.
Hence † Eye-biter, one who ‘eye-bites.’ † Eye-biting vbl. sb. and ppl. a.
1584. R. Scot, Discov. Witchcr., III. xv. 64. The Irishmen … terme one sort of their witches eybiters.
1585. J. Higgins, trans. Junius’ Nomenclator, 427. Fascinus, a bewitching or eye-biting.
1656. T. Ady, Candle in Dark, II. 104. Calling them eye-biting witches.
