A priestess or female shaman, frequently a virgin, who acts as oracle for and handmaiden to the deity of a particular shrine and performs sacred ritual dances.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Ernest Mason Satow (1843–1929), diplomat and scholar. From Japanese miko, probably from mi divine spirit + Japanese ko child (here specifically a girl).
Definition of miko in US English:
miko
nounˈmiːkəʊ
Shinto
A priestess or female shaman, frequently a virgin, who acts as oracle for and handmaiden to the deity of a particular shrine and performs sacred ritual dances.
Origin
Late 19th century; earliest use found in Ernest Mason Satow (1843–1929), diplomat and scholar. From Japanese miko, probably from mi divine spirit + Japanese ko child (here specifically a girl).