Two-spirit Definition

to͝ospĭrĭt

noun

A person, especially a Native American man, who assumes the gender identity and is granted the social status of the opposite sex.

American Heritage

adjective

(theology) Involving two spirits; especially, pertaining to the doctrine of dualism espoused in the so-called Treatise on the Two Spirits in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Wiktionary

(of a Native American) Identifying as any of various tribal third genders, rather than as wholly male or female; transgender.

Wiktionary

(of a Native American) Identifying as any of various tribal third genders, rather than as wholly male or female; transgender.

Wiktionary

(theology) Involving two spirits; especially, pertaining to the doctrine of dualism espoused in the so-called Treatise on the Two Spirits in the Dead Sea Scrolls.

Wiktionary

Other Word Forms of Two-spirit

Noun

Singular:

two-spirit

Plural:

two-spirits

Origin of Two-spirit

A calque of Ojibwe niizh manidoowag (“two spirits"), from niizh (“two") + manidoo (“spirit"). Replaced berdache, which had come to be considered offensive.

From Wiktionary
From two +"Ž spirit. Replaced berdache in reference to Native Americans.

From Wiktionary
From two +"Ž spirit.

From Wiktionary