A god or spirit as the object of religious awe or ritual among some American Indians.
Esimerkit
The favourite abode of this Manitou is still shown. It is a great rock or cliff on the loneliest part of the mountains, and, … is known by the name of the Garden Rock.
If it were possible to translate the comprehensive and melodious language in which he spoke, the ode might read something like the following: "Manitou! Manitou! Manitou! Thou art great, thou art good, thou art wise: Manitou! Manitou! Thou art just."
Each Ojibway shaman's method of communication with the manitou patron is unique and is related to a personal dream experience.