Definition: a somewhat solemn, sinister or gruff-looking old world Santa Claus figure modeled of papier-mâché, usually of German origin, made around the turn of the 20th century; originals are hard to locate and quite pricey; reproductions are widely available
Pronunciation: bel-snik-el
Also Known As: the Pennsylvania Dutch Santa, Pelze Nichol, which was pronounced "pelsnickle" by Americans and eventually became belsnickle
Alternate Spellings: belschnickle
Common Misspellings: belsnickel
Examples:
Belsnickle with Feather Tree Pink Belsnickle
