Poltergeists - 'The name of unexplained rappings, noises, and similar disturbances. The term poltergeist (Polter Geist, or rattling ghost) is indicative of the character of these "beings". It is believed poltergeists rarely cause serious physical injury, but can cause damage by breaking fragile objects and occasionally setting fire to pieces of furniture or clothing. Supposedly a person may be pulled out of bed or levitated.'

• Taken from the Encyclopedia of Occultism & Parapsychology edited by J. Gordon Melton.