Wiktionary
n. (context often italicized English) A traditional Central American healer
WordNet
n. a Mexican man who practices healing techniques inherited from the Mayans
Wikipedia
A curandero (, f. curandera) or curandeiro (, f. curandeira) is a traditional Native healer, shaman or Witch doctor found in the United States and Latin America. The curandero dedicates their life to the administration of remedies for mental, emotional, physical and spiritual illnesses based on their evaluation. The role of a curandero or curandera can also incorporate the roles of psychiatrist along with that of doctor and healer. Some curanderos, such as Don Pedrito, the Healer of Los Olmos, make use of simple herbs, waters, and even mud to effect their cures. Others additionally employ Catholic elements, such as holy water and saint pictures. The use of Roman Catholic prayers and other borrowings and lendings are often found alongside native religious elements. Many curanderos emphasize their native spirituality in healing while being practicing Roman Catholics.
They are often respected members of the community. Literally translated as "healer" from Spanish. Their powers are considered supernatural, as it is commonly believed that many illnesses are caused by lost malevolent spirits, a lesson from God, or curse.
Usage examples of "curandero".
On either side of them, in the Curandero Valley, aspen trees were a lovely buttery yellow, shivering in the Indian Summer breezes.
Also in attendance was the local Roman Catholic primate, a foreigner named Father Simony, and a wizened, breech-clouted little witch doctor of the King Buzzard cult, Don Curandero Brujo.
Ynercia was impeded by a fairly large parade coming out of the city, led by Don Curandero Brujo.
The curandero, on the other hand has little training or technology at his disposal--a few snake powders, maybe.
If you ask me, curanderos are frauds who prey on the ignorant, but nobody asked me.
I reminded myself that Lupe had drunk it without ill effect, and that Father Flanagan had told me few curanderos trafficked in—or with—anything dangerous.
Most of the time these curanderos are only guilty of venial sin, but desouling a baby isn't even slightly venial.
I reminded myself that Lupe had drunk it without ill effect, and that Father Flanagan had told me few curanderos trafficked in—or with—anything dan gerous.