Meaning
A folk belief that an owl (the 'patoo') hooting on or near a house is a bad omen, foretelling death or misfortune for the household. The owl's night-cry is treated with dread, and the patoo is widely regarded in Jamaica as a bird of ill omen and a companion of the spirit world. Hearing it prompts prayers and unease, and some try to drive the bird off.
Examples
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A patoo hoot pon di house last night — bad sign.
An owl hooted on the house last night — a bad sign.
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When owl hoot, di old people fret.
When an owl hoots, the old folks worry.
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Dem seh owl hoot bring death.
They say an owl's hoot brings death.
Origin
A folk belief; an owl (patoo) hooting near a house is a death omen. See [[patoo]], [[jumbie-bird]].
How it’s used
Folk omen: an owl (patoo) hooting near the house foretells death. See [[patoo]], [[jumbie-bird]].