means The plural of witch — people, traditionally women, believed to practice magic, cast spells, or wield supernatural power, whether feared, revered, or self-claimed.

from From Old English 'wicce,' the feminine of 'wicca' (a male sorcerer) — both tied to the verb 'wiccian,' to practice magic. The deeper roots are murky; it's possibly related to words for 'to bend' or 'to wake/rouse,' though etymologists argue this without final agreement. Note it has nothing to do with 'wicked,' despite the resemblance the centuries of witch-hunts made convenient. For ages the word lived as an accusation; only recently has it been reclaimed as a name people choose for themselves.